Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s Brillant Win Causes Foot Injury
Joanna Jedrzejczyk put on a brilliant performance en route to victory over Michelle Waterson at UFC Tampa yesterday. The win put Joanna back into the win column after unsuccessfully challenging Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC Flyweight title at UFC 231. Now, Joanna is back on pace to recapture her strawweight crown. However, a broken foot suffered in the third round may halt Joanna’s plans.
Jedrzejczyk put on one of her classic striking displays against Waterson. Fast jabs, up-kicks, and combinations ending in whipping leg kicks were all on display in Joanna’s arsenal. Even after a harsh weight-cut that led fans and media astray to if the bout would even transpire.
After the fight, Joanna admitted to breaking her foot during her octagon interview. It took Michael Bisping to ask about the ice pack on her broken foot first though.
"Who is the real queen? Bow down!" 👑
Joanna Jędrzejczyk has all eyes on a title fight after defeating Michelle Waterson in the main event of #UFCTampa. pic.twitter.com/LpxgzN1QoA
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 13, 2019
”I broke my foot in the third round, probably around the end of the second round. And, I was keep (kept) on kicking, but it’s the fight business. We are not weak,” said Joanna.
Speaking on the Injury
Furthermore, during a post-fight interview, Joanna elaborated on the injured broken foot. Explaining how she dislikes injuries, she spoke on her toughness and what it takes to make it in the octagon.
“I’m going to break it into three pieces and they’re gonna put it back together. That’s it. It’s a tough business and I don’t like myself from the Octagon, being injured with the crutches. But it’s my job. Big hobby, big passion, crazy passion, crazy job. This is how we make money, baby.”
Plans on Facing Weili Zhang
Lastly, Jedrzejczyk touched on her future plans in the UFC’s strawweight division. She said she spoke to several Chinese media outlets and them, as well as fans, seem to be “super pumped” for a matchup against strawweight champion Weili Zhang. Although in the past, Joanna felt the UFC was using her to build Zhang’s credibility and didn’t take the fight before Zhang became champion.
“They (Chinese media)want this fight to happen in Poland. Let’s do it in the National Stadium for 60,000 people. Let’s wait for spring. I will heal my foot. Of course, Weili is the champ, it’s her decision but let’s make this happen. I’m ready. More than ready.”
Do fans believe that the win over Waterson should make Joanna the number one contender to face Zhang? Or do contenders such as Tatiana Suarez deserve the nod first?
Let us know in the comments below.