Joanna Jedrzejczyk insists she’s at her best going into Saturday’s UFC 275 rematch with Zhang Weili. She is a former longtime UFC strawweight champion and now returns to the octagon after more than two years this weekend when she runs it back with Weili.
The last time Jedrzejczyk stepped into the cage was UFC 248 in March 2020, when she lost a split decision to Weili in an all-time classic Fight of the Year.
“It was my personal decision to not fight,” Jedrzejczyk told MMA Junkie. “The first break I took was after the fight with Valentina Shevchenko. I needed that. When I was the UFC champ, I was fighting very often. I was very active. One of the reasons I took a longer break was the time for myself. We don’t have the balance between the private life and the business and sports life. Then there was no fans at the arena and for me, there is no sport, any sport, without fans. I’m happy I can perform in front of thousands of people in the arena or watching TV.”
“I think that she’s not the same after our first fight,” Jedrzejczyk said. “Of course I lost, but she’s not the same. But she’s still one of the most dangerous in the division. It’s going to be a hell of a fight.”
When Jedrzejczyk and Weili first went to battle 27 months ago, it was a grueling five-round fight with a championship on the line. This time, however, there is no gold up for grabs, and the fight is only scheduled for three rounds.
“I just have to put the gas pedal down and be first, violent, but smart from the first seconds of the fight,” Jedrzejczyk said. “There is no time to be wasted in this fight, so we have to play my game from the first seconds of the fight.”
Although the expectations are for Jedrzejczyk and Weili to put on a repeat of their memorable first meeting, the Polish fighter said her mindset going into UFC 275 is geared toward dominance.
“It’s going to be medical procedure,” Jedrzejczyk said. “I’m going to be the best surgeon and I will pick the right tools and use them at the right time. Sharp.”
