Without a doubt, Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-4) is one of the greatest female fighters in UFC history. It’s crazy to think that we haven’t seen the former strawweight champion in nearly two years. The last time we saw Jedrzejczyk was all the way back in March of 2020.
That night, she took on Zhang Weili (21-3) at UFC 248. The two ladies had the fight of the year and Weili ended up winning a split decision. It was Jedrzejczyk’s fourth loss in six fights. Granted, all four losses came in title fights including one at 125 pounds against Valentina Shevchenko.
After the loss, Jedrzejczyk took some time away from the UFC. Many were wondering if the Polish fighter was done fighting for good. However, she’s made it very clear that she intends on coming back and has been talking with the promotion recently. In fact, she shed some light on her UFC return.
Recently, she appeared on Kanal Sportowy in Poland where she talked about her future. She said the UFC was open to her fighting for the title upon her return. However, she would ultimately have to wait until the fall for that to happen. Jedrzejczyk is wanting to return sooner than later.
UFC booking a classic rematch
Jedrzejczyk said that the UFC made it clear that Carla Esparza would be fighting Rose Namajunas next for the title. Jedrzejczyk could get a title shot, however, she would have to wait for that fight. Namajunas and Esparza are expected to fight sometime in late spring or early summer.
The UFC now knows that Jedrzejczyk is wanting to return as soon as possible. She’s ready to fight and she’s made that clear. With her desires clear, Jedrzejczyk told Kanal Sportowy what she thinks is going to happen. She thinks the rematch with Zhang Weili is going to happen next.
In reality, this is absolutely the fight that should take place. Both of these ladies are still at the very top of the strawweight division. However, both are in the very tough spot of going a combined 0-4 against the champion Rose Namajunas. They both are coming off losses in title fights and both need a win.
By all indications, the UFC is game for the rematch. It’s just a matter of the fight getting done and finding out where it will take place. Make no mistake about it, whenever this fight does take place, fight fans should flock to their televisions to watch.