Joanna Jedrzejczyk announced her retirement after a knockout loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 275 in Singapore. Fighters reacted with shock and sadness. They decided to pay tribute to her after her decision.
For the final time in her fighting career, @JoannaMMA has left the building ? #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/3mnOXxTiy1
— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
One of MMA legends and former UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk has decided to end her sporting career. The 34-year-old fought ten fights between 2015 and 2017, with the championship belt at stake. The Pole is considered by many experts as the best MMA fighter in the strawweight category in history.
After the knockout loss to Zhang Weili, Jedrzejczyk took off her gloves and told UFC analyst Daniel Cormier in her postfight interview that she would be retiring.
Leaving her gloves in the Octagon ?
[ @JoannaMMA | #UFC275 ] pic.twitter.com/x5rh6Uyt4Y
— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
“It’s been 20 years. I’m turning 35 this year. I want to be a mom. I want to be a businesswoman. I’ve been training for more than half of my life. I love you guys,” Jedrzejczyk said.
Zhang Weili KO’d Joanna Jedrzejczyk in R2#UFC275 pic.twitter.com/KwDExqMkGq
— Faizal (@zalkad) June 12, 2022
Joanna Jędrzejczyk has just retired. #UFC275 Thank you JJ. ???❤️ pic.twitter.com/AbcTu8Gper
— FunkyScouser ??? (@funkysorcerer) June 12, 2022
“Jedrzejczyk (16-5) held the UFC women’s strawweight title from 2015 to 2017, a span of five successful title defences, which is still the most in division history. The first Poland-born UFC champion is tied with current champion Carla Esparza for the most wins in division history (10), has the most title fights in strawweight history (nine) and has the most title-fight victories ever in the division (six),” Marc Raimondi wrote on ESPN website about Jedrzejczyk.
After Jedrzejczyk’s decision, other fighters reacted with shock and sadness. They decided to pay tribute to her.
@joannamma my favorite female fighter of all time. My heart is so sad right now. Thank you for everything Joanna Champion, you made our sport better. Crying with you tonight #ufc275
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) June 12, 2022
Congratulations @joannamma on your retirement #alwaysachamp #UFC275
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) June 12, 2022
Thank you, JJ!
We love you❤#UFC275— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) June 12, 2022
Thank you @joannamma #UFC275
— tim means (@MeansTim) June 12, 2022
Hell of a career. Shout out to JJ ??
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) June 12, 2022
Amazing career @joannamma thank you for all the fun fights, always a fan! Wishing you well in this next chapter in your life #ufc275
— Raquel Pennington (@RockyPMMA) June 12, 2022
And many more!