By Tony Reid

Joanna Jedrzejczyk has grand plans of retiring from MMA as an undefeated UFC champion, and intends to do so after title reigns in multiple weight classes.

Jedrzejczyk made yet another successful defense of her UFC strawweight title late last week by besting her bitter rival Claudia Gadelha via unanimous decision in the highly anticipated main event of The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. Despite a rough start where she was dropped by Gadelha, Jedrzejczyk proved once again why she is the queen of the 115-pound ranks by storming back to dominate in the second half of the fight.

The end result was another impressive addition to her resume--one Jedrzejczyk is determined to keep unblemished.

“This fight was big for me, for my team and for the UFC.” Jedrzejczyk said. “I want to be an undefeated champion. I knew I had to be very prepared for this fight. She has been number one in the rankings for a long time. Our first fight was close. You can be a monster in the gym but the fight is the most important exam for us as fighters. This fight I showed her who the best is. This fight I proved to Claudia Gadelha that I am the only women’s UFC strawweight champion.”

The Olsztyn, Poland native has become one of the most beloved fighters in the world during her amazing run in mixed martial arts. Her vicious Muay Thai skillset and all around aggressive, fight finishing style ultimately led to her becoming the consensus women’s pound-for-pound best in the process.

Just as the case with Ronda Rousey--the most recent iconic the women’s champion to appear on TUF before her--popular opinion shifted in a negative direction after the world saw more of Jedrzejczyk’s personality away from the bright lights of competition inside the Octagon. There was an overabundance trash-talk and general insults by Jedrzejczyk, even by TUF standards.

Filming the reality show proved to be a tough task for Jedrezejczyk as it put her in close quarters for countless hours with adversary that was there to take what is hers. To interact so much with someone she truly dislikes just added fuel to an already blazing fire.



“I went to the show with an open mind but it definitely gave me added motivation.” Jedrzejczyk said. “I was trying to be nice to Claudia on the show but she seemed to get very offended. She started talking a lot about our first fight. For me, that was all over. My focus was on our next fight. It is difficult when your biggest opponent is around you all the time for weeks. It didn’t get into my mind. I am strong mentally and very confident.

"I chose to be a part of The Ultimate Fighter show for my fighters. I didn’t go there to promote myself. Every day that I spent with my team they became better fighters and better people. That is the most important thing.”

One of the aspects of Jedrzejczyk’s exciting style and persona that has captured the imagination of fans and media alike is the incredibly intense post-weigh in staredowns with her opponents.

“I just want to look into the eyes of my opponent. There you can see everything.” Jedrzejczyk said. “I fought in a memorable fight when I was younger. My opponent was being a smart ass, saying she was going to beat this little Polish girl. I was very calm and quiet. She was kind of short and she didn’t want to look into my eyes. I went down and looked into her eyes. This is who I am. That’s why I do those staredowns. Now people love it. I’m doing for my fans now.”



Jedrzejczyk wants to be like B.J. Penn and Randy Couture by UFC standards, but when it comes to apparel she wants to be like Mike. It’s well documented on her social media accounts Jedrzejczyk is a huge sneaker head. She has a collection of Nike kicks and other gear that would make Phil Knight blush, but her relationship with the Nike swoosh has become complicated.

Jedrzejczyk is all about the Jordan’s and Air Force Ones, but with the UFC’s Reebok deal in place, along with the fact that Jedrzejczyk herself landed an individual deal, it’s safe to say that the sneaker collection has changed.

“I am very happy with Reebok. I think I should get more great gear from Reebok, though.” Jedrzejczyk said. “If they are reading this interview hopefully they will help me out. I am very happy with the Reebok deal and the uniforms. I am honored to have the chance to represent the Reebok Company. I am really enjoying it.”