Joanna Jedrzejczyk imposes conditions to return to UFC: 'Presence of fans and more money'

Joanna Jedrzejczyk imposes conditions to return to fight in Ultimate: 'Presence of fans and more money'. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Joanna Jedrzejczyk hasn't stepped into the octagon since his war against Weili Zhang for the strawweight belt (up to 52,2 kg). The duel took place in UFC 248, in March 2020. Asked about the reason for her inactivity, the former champion justified her absence by saying that she misses the energy of the fans in the arenas.

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“There is no sport without fans. You know how I interact with people. I always need extra motivation, an extra battery, energy pack. Maybe I (would fight without fans), but I don't want to. I just want to wait. I really believe that everything (Covid-19 pandemic) will be behind us soon”, revealed Joanna, in an interview with the South China Morning Post website.

In a tone of dissatisfaction, the fighter also revealed that she would like financial appreciation for her performances in the octagon.

“There must be more money behind this. I fought really hard last time and it was the co-main event. But I felt like me and Weili (Zhang) were the real deal, that we should be the main attraction. I deserve more money. I deserve a bigger piece of the pie. I don't want to complain like other fighters. There are more than 500 fighters, but I am a big part of this company (…). I'm not complaining. I'm very happy with the UFC as always, but I feel like people love me. With the belt or without the belt, they love me. I just want to keep doing this for them. I keep hearing that I'm retired, but I'm just taking my time (to fight). I used to do it two or three times a year. It's no longer possible. I want to take care of myself, my body, my mind,” she said.

Jedrzejczyk says she would like to return to face the winner of a possible title fight between the current champion, Weili Zhang e Rose namajunas. Both have victory over her.

“It's still the case (of wanting a title shot), but I don't have to prove anything to anyone. That’s it”, he concluded.

At 33, Joanna Jedrzejczyk has a record of 16 triumphs and four setbacks. She was strawweight champion (up to 52,2 kg) from March 2015 to November 2017. In total, there were five successful title defenses.