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Joanna Jedrzejczyk Says She Knew Rose Namajunas Would Knock Weili Zhang Out in Round 1

Published 05/18/2021, 2:46 PM EDT

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The former strawweight queen, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, was one of the most eager spectators of the UFC Strawweight title fight that took place at UFC 262. Joanna has been one-half of epic showdowns against both Weili Zhang and Rose Namajunas in title fights.

The former champion is still active in the division that she once dominated and is looking to bounce back after having spent more than a year on the sidelines.

“I had a TV crew. Actually, they have this video, before the fight started I said, ‘First Round KO for Rose Namajunas’. And it happened, man. I’m so happy for her,” Jedrzejczyk said in an interview with MMA Fighting.

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She commended Rose Namajunas for her performance, even though the fight didn’t hear the bell for the second round. Going into the fight, she trusted Namajunas to possess the technical superiority that would get her the W.

“I think Rose is smarter fighter but Weili Zhang is very tough. Physically and mentally. She always going for work. She never gives up.

“But I know Rose’s knowledge, footwork, distance, and timing is always very good. Her coach has great knowledge, great plan. This fight wasn’t long but Rose was patient and she put a hell of a fight,” the ‘Boogeywoman’ said.

What’s next for Joanna Jedrzejczyk?

Joanna Jedrzejczyk put up an excellent striking display against the then champion Weili Zhang in her last appearance at UFC 248. Many experts consider it to be the Fight of the Year for 2020.

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She conceded a split decision to Weili in that fight but was lauded for her heart and exceptional Muay Thai striking display. In her last showdown with the current champion Rose Namajunas, she lost a close decision.

Jedrzejczyk is likely to campaign for a title shot next. A trilogy fight against Rose Namajunas would be huge for the promotion as well. In the interview, Joanna said that she only expects a fight with either Namajunas or Zhang next.

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‘I Was Really Broke’- Joanna Jedrzejczyk Details Almost Retiring From MMA

As for the division, a lot rides on the fight between top 115-ers #3 Yan Xiaonan and #4 Carla Esparza this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt. The winner could very well be facing the champ next or might cross paths with JJ.

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What do you think is the most plausible fight to make for Joanna Jedrzejczyk? Let us know.

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Written by:

Akshit Pushkarna

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Akshit Pushkarna, who has a Post Graduate Degree in Journalism from Xavier's Institute of Communication, is an MMA writer for EssentiallySports. Before his current role, Akshit worked on the Urban Development beat at the Urban Update magazine. However, combat sports always called out to Akshit, who pursued both boxing and wrestling at a regional level before shifting his focus to MMA journalism.
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