UFC

Emotional reactions to Joanna Jędrzejczyk’s retirement

Published

June 12, 2022

Former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk retired at UFC 275. Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Former strawweight champion was Joanna Jedrzejczyk defeated by Zhang Weili in their rematch at UFC 275. After a high-paced and competetive first round, the Polish fighter suffered a second-round knockout loss.

After the tough defeat, Jedrzejczyk decided it was time to end her long and successful career.

“I’m retired guys. I love you so much, thank you for the support,” Jedrzejczyk said in the post-fight interview. “UFC, Dana, so sorry I let you down man. I want to give big credit to all of UFC:s employees. Without them we couldn’t be here.”

After an incredible career, Joanna Jędrzejczyk announces her retirement at #UFC275 👏 pic.twitter.com/bHOzT8HN6w

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 12, 2022

Leaving her gloves in the Octagon 👏

[ @JoannaMMA | #UFC275 ] pic.twitter.com/x5rh6Uyt4Y

— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022

One of the best strawweights ever

Jedrzejczyk made her UFC debut in July, 2014, when she defeated Juliana Lima. In 2015, she won the strawweight title when she defeated Carla Esparza by TKO in the second round. The Polish striker then defended the belt no less than five times against Jessica Penne, Valérie Létourneau, Cláudia Gadelha, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Jéssica Andrade.

In November 2017, Jedrzejczyk lost her title to Rose Namajunas. After the defeat her career seemed to change, and she was only able to win two out of her last six fights. In these bouts she did face the absolute best in the world though, in fighters like Rose Namajunas, Valentina Schevchenko and Zhang Weili.

Fighters pay tribute to Joanna Jedrzejczyk

After the retirement was announced, Twitter has been on fire with salutes to the former strawweight champion.

Congratulations @joannamma on your retirement #alwaysachamp #UFC275

— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) June 12, 2022

That was an honor to be one of the witness your GREAT career @joannamma

Thank you#UFC275

— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) June 12, 2022

Thank you @joannamma! #UFC275

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 12, 2022

Thank you @joannamma 🙏 a champion a legend.

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 12, 2022

What a career @joannamma 👏
such an awesome human being 🙏

— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) 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

JJ is hands down one of the greatest to ever live!!! Thank you for what you’ve given to the sport!!!#UFC275 #fairwell

— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) June 12, 2022

Jedrzejczyk, congratulations and good luck in retirement. You taught many what a champion looks and acts like. #UFC275

— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) June 12, 2022