Virna Jandiroba, Janaisa Morandin to fight for vacant Invicta FC strawweight title

Two Brazilians will collide for the vacant Invicta FC strawweight championship.

Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp announced Thursday night that undefeated Virna Jandiroba will meet Janaisa Morandin for the 115-pound belt on March 24. The exact location of Invicta FC 28 has yet to be announced.

Jandiroba (12-0) made her successful Invicta FC debut in December, submitting Amy Montenegro in less than three minutes. Ten of her 12 professional wins have come via submission, seven of those in the opening round.

“I found out about it last night, and I’m really happy,” Jandiroba told MMA Fighting. “We already expected that we’d fight for the belt against Janaisa, and already started training focusing on her. Janaisa is a great athlete. I think it’s time for me to show the world what I can do.

“Janaisa is a tough athlete, very strong, explosive. We analyzed her strengths and also the holes in her game, and we will work on that. I still have a lot to show. Most of my fights were fast, so maybe I couldn’t show everything I have. I have five rounds to work hard now.”

Morandin (10-1) last fought at Invicta FC 26, scoring her first victory inside the Invicta FC cage with a decision over Kinberly Novaes. She bounced back to the winning column following a decision defeat to former champion Livinha Souza in August.

“I would like to thank Invicta for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my life’s dream of having the belt of the biggest women’s promotion,” Morandin told MMA Fighting. “It values my work, two fights and two post-fight bonuses. For this title fight I’m coming smart, with a lot of respect for Virna. Once again two Brazilians who are good at what they do. Whoever imposes her game will win the fight.”

The Invicta FC strawweight title has switched hands over the past few years, going from Carla Esparza — who vacated in 2013 to join The Ultimate Fighter — to Katja Kankaanpaa, then Livinha Souza, and finally Angela Hill. Both Souza and Hill are currently signed by the UFC.