Move over Ronda Rousey, there’s a new sheriff in town.
Devastating Polish muay-thai master and UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk made waves after her thunderous TKO victory over Jessica Penne at UFC Fight Night 69 in Berlin, Germany.
The 27-year-old made the second-straight title defense of her burgeoning MMA career in dramatic fashion, badgering Penne’s face with elbows and punches, until the referee had seen enough in the third-round. Perhaps her most marketable feature is not her crisp striking, but her personality.
Jedrzejczyk, or Joanna Champion as she’s called, gave one of the most noteworthy post-fight speeches in recent memory after her win over Penne.
“And again, and again, and again. I told Jessica that this fight was going to be a war. Was it a war?” Jedrzejczyk asked the German crowd, which would erupt into a frenzy.
She would not come out of the victory unscathed, however, and is nursing a broken thumb at the moment. After traveling around the U.S. and Europe for doctors visits and UFC shows, Jedrzejczyk expects to be back in Poland.
While in NYC to promote and model the new Reebok-designed UFC Fight Kit uniforms, the champion of the 115-pound division sat down with Muscle & Fitness Hers to discuss her training, diet, Polish MMA, and much more.
Muscle & Fitness Hers Interview with Joanna Jedrzejczyk
What does it mean for you to be face of women’s MMA in Poland?
JJ: I’m very happy that I’m European and from Poland. I’m the champion and I’m happy the belt is in Europe. I wish that soon we get other champions from Europe. Maybe next week; it’s going to be Conor [McGregor]. We will see.
What do you see in Conor stylistically?
JJ: I think he brings something different; special, new and fresh to the Octagon. I think he can be a champion but of course Aldo is. He defends his title so many times.
Have you ever trained with Conor?
JJ: No, no I didn’t but I watch his fights. I watch some movies with him on UFC TV. I watch him so much.
Can you talk the specifics of your individual sponsorship deal with Reebok?
JJ: I’m very happy I signed a contract with a big company that just became big with the UFC. It was a special day for us today. You could see the kits. It’s very good.
How popular is MMA in Poland?
JJ: It’s very popular. There’s shows every weekend; every week. Even a few shows in one weekend. MMA is very big. We have some other small shows. People know a lot about MMA and fighters. It’s the second sport after soccer.
How was the reception in Poland after your recent win?
JJ: I’ve gotten lots of attention from media and fans. It was really nice. People are recognizing me more. It’s a big deal. I’m happy.
Do you look at yourself as a role model?
JJ: I’m myself all the time. I’m the same person.
How did it feel to have a fellow women’s champion in Ronda Rousey talk about your last performance?
JJ: I was very happy. I think she’s the best. I look at her as my idol. She’s amazing. I’m a champion. She’s a champion. We keep together.
Do you ever wish that you started fighting in MMA sooner?
JJ: I didn’t think about that. I’m a champion. I defend my title. It was a good time.
You said that you will be getting back into the gym in around 2-3 weeks, correct?
JJ: I’m going to LA tomorrow to see a UFC doctor to see what they’re going to say about my thumb. I spoke to Polish doctors and they say I don’t need surgery. I think in 2-3 weeks I can take off my cast and just start doing some easy training.
Do you expect to find again before the end of the year?
JJ: Yeah, sure. I want to fight by the end of the year. It will probably happen in December.
Have you or your team looked at any names?
JJ: No, I’m the champion so now everyone wants to fight me. I don’t care who is my next opponent.
Have you trained with injuries before?
JJ: No, I never really had a bad injury.
Has your training changed much after your muay-thai career?
JJ: I’m just focusing on different things; wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu and ground and pound. I’m doing complete MMA training.
I see you’ve trained with renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu specliast Robert Drysdale. Do you split time training in the U.S. and in Poland?
JJ: I did once, before my fight with Carla Esparza in March. I did some training there because one of my two head coaches was training with Robert. We went to his gym and finished the training before the fight.
How do you take care of your body after a fight?
JJ: Now, after the fight, I want to eat all kinds of stuff but I have a good nutritionist in Poland, Jacob Mauricz. He’s one of the best. He’s taking care of me and it’s like a gluten-free diet. I make lots of fish and rice. Lots of eggs and fruits. I’m drinking special cocktails after training with eggs and coconut oil.
What are some goals you have for the future?
JJ: I’m going to be a champion for a while that’s all. I just want to keep on doing my things and be on top for a long time.
When do you expect to get back to Poland?
JJ: In 2-3 weeks. I’m going to LA, then to Las Vegas for the UFC Expo and then I’m going to watch the Conor fight and then I will go for 2-3 days to San Diego. I will go to the UFC Fight Night in Glasgow, Scotland and then back to Poland and have vacation.
Do you have any prediction for the upcoming fight between Claudia Gadelha and Julianna Lima?
JJ: Claudia is going to win this fight, probably.
Do you have any tips for amateur female fighters who want to be in your shoes someday?
JJ: There’s no easy way. Just keep on working hard.
