Rising Star: How Iasmin Lucindo Is Taking the UFC Strawweight Division By Storm

The UFC strawweight division has a new force to be reckoned with, and her name is Iasmin Lucindo. At just 23 years old, this Brazilian phenom has silently put together an impressive four-fight win streak that has the MMA world buzzing. When former title challenger Amanda Lemos is singing your praises, you know something special is happening.

I’ve been covering this sport for years, and there’s something different about Lucindo. The way she moves, the confidence she carries into the octagon – it reminds me of champions we’ve seen emerge from seemingly nowhere.

Brazil’s Next Big Thing: Iasmin Lucindo’s Meteoric Rise

Breaking into the UFC is hard enough. Winning your first four fights? That’s rarified air that few breathe. Lucindo isn’t just winning – she’s making statements with each performance that scream “future champion.” Her technical striking paired with surprising strength has created a puzzle few opponents have been able to solve.

What makes Lucindo’s rise even more impressive is her age. At 23, she’s still developing physically and technically. Most fighters don’t hit their prime until their late 20s, which should terrify the rest of the division.

Amanda Lemos recently told reporters: “Iasmin has all the tools to become a champion. Her progression between fights is something special. She reminds me of myself, but honestly, she might be further along than I was at her age.”

Breaking Down Lucindo’s UFC Run

What you won’t see in this table is how Lucindo has improved with each performance. Her striking has become more precise, her grappling more confident, and her fight IQ sharper. These aren’t just wins – they’re developmental milestones.

The Lemos Endorsement: What It Means

When Amanda Lemos speaks about potential in the strawweight division, people listen. Having challenged for the title against Zhang Weili, Lemos knows what championship quality looks like. Her endorsement of Lucindo isn’t just courtesy between countrywomen – it’s recognition of legitimate talent.

You might remember that Lemos herself was once the hot prospect everyone was talking about. Now she’s passing the torch, acknowledging something special in her young compatriot.

“The ceiling for Iasmin? I don’t think she has one,” Lemos continued. “Her work ethic combined with her natural talent could take her all the way to the belt.”

What Makes Lucindo Different?

I’ve seen hundreds of prospects come and go in this sport. What separates the Iasmin Lucindos from the one-hit wonders? From my analysis, three things stand out:

• Technical adaptability – She makes adjustments mid-fight that veterans struggle with
• Composure under pressure – She fights like someone with twice her experience
• Consistent improvement – Each performance shows new wrinkles to her game

Her coach, André Tadeu, deserves immense credit. The Brazilian has carefully managed her development, never rushing her progression or taking shortcuts. This methodical approach is creating a complete fighter rather than a specialist who can be figured out.

The Championship Timeline

With four straight wins, Lucindo should be looking at a top-10 opponent next. The strawweight division is one of the UFC’s deepest, but I believe she’s ready for that level of competition. A win there could fast-track her to title contention by late 2025 – remarkably fast for someone so young.

If she keeps this trajectory, we could be looking at Brazil’s next UFC champion. The country has been hungry for a female titleholder since Amanda Nunes retired, and Lucindo might be the one to fill those massive shoes.

What’s Next for the Brazilian Phenom?

The logical next step is a bout with a ranked opponent – someone like Angela Hill or Virna Jandiroba would make sense. These veterans would test Lucindo’s readiness for the division’s elite without throwing her to the wolves too soon.

Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Iasmin Lucindo is no longer flying under the radar. The secret is out, and the strawweight division has been put on notice. Remember the name – you’ll be hearing it for years to come.

Have you watched Lucindo fight yet? What impresses you most about her game? Let me know in the comments below!

Source: UFC Fight Night interviews, Amanda Lemos media day comments, UFC fighter statistics database