Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the now retired mixed martial artist, former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and one of the pioneers of women’s MMA, has been confirmed to be a future Hall of Famer by none other than UFC president Dana White himself.
The first world champion out of Poland as well as the first female European champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-5) enjoyed a decorated pro career that spun across a decade. She reigned as the UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion for almost three years and across a record five strawweight title defenses, and she also holds the record for most consecutive wins in the division at eight.
However, following her first career loss against Rose Namajunas at UFC 217, in which she was dethroned from her title, Jedrzejczyk failed to rack up victories and in her last seven fights, was able to secure only two wins- against Tecia Torres and Michelle Waterson.
Following her second consecutive defeat in the rematch against longtime rival Zhang Weili at UFC 275 back on 11th June in Singapore, which ended in a second round knockout, Jedrzejczyk announced that she was parting ways with the Octagon.
“It was just the moment,” said Jedrzejczyk at the post-fight press conference after UFC 275, “Of course, I had it in the back of my head like maybe there was one day, maybe a year ago, if something happened I might retire because I’ve been in this business for the last 19 years. Lots of investment from myself. It’s time to fully enjoy my life.” [H/T MMA Fighting]
I’m glad that she fought and ended her career here with us: Dana White on Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Now, a week after Jedrzejczyk revealed her decision, Dana White confirmed during the UFC on ESPN 37 post-fight press conference that the 34-year-old will surely become a Hall of Famer in the future.
“Oh, without a doubt,” White told MMA Junkie, “(She was) one of the women who helped build women’s MMA, especially in the UFC – always fun to watch, always came to fight.”
“Her walk in that night when she got to the arena, (was) gangster as usual. I love everything about Joanna, and I’m glad that she fought and ended her career here with us,” the UFC prez added.
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