LAS VEGAS – Joanna Jedrzejczyk was on the cusp of ending her retirement from MMA this year before an injury provided perspective.
Jedrzejczyk (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC), a former longtime UFC strawweight champion, brought an end to her esteemed combat sports career in June 2022 when she announced her retirement following a knockout loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 275. It was a difficult decision for her, and one many questioned whether it would stick.
The Polish striking specialist brought doubts that she would stay away from active competition when she told MMA Junkie in October that she was struggling to come to grips with hanging up the gloves, and hinted a comeback could be on the horizon. She even jumped into training at the intensity in which she would prepare for a fight, but then a lingering shoulder issue resurfaced.
