Joanna Jedrzejczyk announced her retirement from the UFC just minutes after being knocked out by Zhang Weili.
The former UFC strawweight champions met in a rematch at UFC 275 in Singapore last night with Weili winning by second-round stoppage. She left her rival facedown on the canvas after landing an inch-perfect spinning backfist to earn her a shot at her old title.
And Jedrzejczyk laid down her gloves in the cage, the traditional sign that a fighter plans to retire, before saying: " Guys, I love life so much. I will join DC’s [Daniel Cormier] league. I’m retired, guys. I love you so much. Thank you for the support.
"It's been 20 years," she said. "I'm turning 35 this year. I want to be a mom. I want to be a businesswoman. I've been training more than half of my life. I love you guys.
"Dana [White], so sorry I let you down, man. Lorenzo [ Fertitta], when you were still here. Hunter [Campbell], matchmakers. But I want to give big credit, big thanks to all UFC employees. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. I love you guys. Every single person."
She later added: "I was a dominant champion with five successful title defences. I lost and there were ups and downs but I can't wait to enjoy my retirement. No more hard work, no more being on point with making weight or sleeping! The UFC has changed my life and I'm trying to give back as much as I can but it's time for myself and my closest people, my family, to be together."
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Jedrzejczyk was fighting for the first time since losing to Weili over two years ago in one of the best MMA fights in history. On that occasion she was beaten by split-decision following a back-and-forth war, but this time her Chinese rival finished the job in style.
"I'm very, very happy for this fight," Weili said. "I told myself I would use all my assets to beat my opponent. I'm very, very calm and relaxed for this fight. I really want to say to Joanna, she is a fighter, she is a warrior."
