Former UFC Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili breaks her two-fight losing streak with a KO win over Joanna Jedrzejczyk. The fans have been waiting with bated breath for the rematch for 4 years now and the fight delivered! Weili knocked Joanna out with a brutal spinning forearm at the 2:28 mark of round 2.
Joanna started the fight on a blistering note as a straight jab from her rocked Weili. However, that was the extent of her success on the night. Zhang was on song tonight as she implemented her wrestling very well in the fight. It was clear that Joanna was a tad faster than Zhang. Hence, the Chinese fighter took Joanna down early and did a lot of damage on the ground.
Zhang Weili knocks out Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a walk-off spinning backfist. One of the greatest KOs you’ll ever see at #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/f5VT4SY5na
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) June 12, 2022
However, Joanna did manage to scramble out of the position later in the round. She seemed desperate to punish Weili as she started over-committing on her punches. In the second round, she tried to land a hard straight punch which Weili ducked and landed a spinning forearm that flatlined Joannna. Following the loss, Joanna announced that she is retiring.
WALK OFF SPINNING BACKFIST FOR @MMAWEILI 🤯 #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/dkuCZcIsYo
— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
Joanna Jedrzejczyk wants to focus on business after retirement
Usually, the UFC does not allow their commentators to interview the fighter who has been knocked out in a brutal manner. However, former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier walked up to Joanna Jędrzejczyk after interviewing Zhang Weili.
Leaving her gloves in the Octagon 👏
— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
[ @JoannaMMA | #UFC275 ] pic.twitter.com/x5rh6Uyt4Y
The Polish fighter seemed very emotional in the post-fight interview. She wanted to fight for the title once more before retiring. But this defeat has taken all wind out of her sail. However, she said she was proud of her career. Joanna joked that she was trying to land a spinning shot herself, but Zhang beat her to it. She then announced that she is done with MMA and apologised to UFC president Dana White for losing. She said,
Joanna Champ. Joanna Queen. Joanna Legend. ❤️
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 12, 2022
🇵🇱 @JoannaMMA leaves the gloves in the Octagon and calls it a career. Thank you JJ! #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/Smm5D9OIlb
“I’m turning 35 this year. I want to be a mom; I want to be a businesswoman. I now want all of this to happen. I’ve been training two decades — more than half of my life. I love you guys” (h/t via Phil Murphy)
Joanna already has multiple businesses lined up. She also stated that she wants to be a car racer after her retirement. On top of that, she is also involved in a lot of other businesses. Hence, Joanna will certainly have a very prosperous time in her retirement. Here at SportsManor, we thank Joanna for all the memories over the years and wish her luck in her future endeavours.