Joanna Jedrzejczyk announced her retirement from MMA after her rematch with Zhang Weili.
This past Saturday, Jedrzejczyk returned to action after a two-year hiatus in a highly anticipated rematch with Zhang Weili at UFC 275. With two title fights on the main card, the matchup between Jedrzejczyk and Weili was considered to be the people’s main event of the night.
Jedrzejczyk left her gloves inside the octagon to indicate her retirement from the sport after over a decade.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk opens up about retirment
Jedrzejczyk is widely considered to be arguably the best women’s Strawweight in the history of the UFC. Starting her professional career in 2012, the iconic Polish fighter would make her way to the promotion in July 2014 where she would win her debut and rack up an eight-fight win streak.
During the post-fight press conference at UFC 275, Jedrzejczyk opened up about her decision to retire following her loss to Weili.
“I’m retired. Thank you so much for the support. … It’s been 20 years. I’m turning 35 this year. I want to be a mom. I want to be a business woman. I’ve been training two decades, more than half of my life. I appreciate you all. I love you guys.”
Jedrzejczyk is looking to enjoy her life ahead
The 34-year-old Pole is looking forward to taking a step back from training and enjoying her life ahead.
“No, it was just in the moment, but I’ve had it in the back of my head. Maybe there was one day, maybe like a year ago, if something happened I might retire because I’ve been in this business for the last 19 years. Lots of investments from myself.
“It’s time to fully enjoy my life. I approach so much and honestly I haven’t had the time to think about how big my legacy is. I’m a hard worker, and I always dedicated myself. I give as much as I can, and I get as much as I can in the same way, but now it’s time to fully enjoy it.”
She shared an inspiring message with the audience to close out her statements.
“I want people to know that anything and everything is possible. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what color is your skin, what religion you believe in – you can make it. … Dreams are coming true, but you have to work hard and really believe. I’m proud of myself.”
Jedrzejczyk is a former UFC Women’s Strawweight champion. She was the first UFC title-holder from Poland as well as the first female European UFC champion.
