Polish · Olsztyn, Poland · Born 18 August 1987Pioneering Polish striker who dominated the strawweight division with five consecutive title defences before retiring in 2022.
Joanna Jędrzejczyk was born on 18 August 1987 in Olsztyn, Poland, and developed an extensive background in Muay Thai and kickboxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2012, training with Berkut Arrachion in Olsztyn before later joining American Top Team. Jędrzejczyk won the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship in 2015, becoming the first Polish fighter and the first female European champion in UFC history, and went on to defend the title a division-record five times across a 14-fight winning streak. Jędrzejczyk's dominant reign ended in 2017 against Rose Namajunas, and she went on to compete in two further title fights against Zhang Weili, both among the most celebrated and closely contested bouts in UFC history, losing the first by decision and the second in a fight regarded as one of the greatest in the sport. Jędrzejczyk retired in 2022 with a professional record built on relentless volume striking and technical precision, and remains widely regarded as one of the greatest strawweights in UFC history, having helped establish Poland as a growing force in international mixed martial arts.
Former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion, most title defences (5) in division history
How They Played
Jędrzejczyk is renowned for her elite striking abilities, particularly her Muay Thai background which gave her devastating elbows, knees, and precise punching combinations. She utilized exceptional footwork, distance management, and high-volume striking to overwhelm opponents while maintaining strong takedown defense. Her fighting style emphasized technical precision, relentless pace, and the ability to break down opponents with accumulative damage over multiple rounds.
Lasting Impact
Jędrzejczyk established the UFC Women's Strawweight division as one of the most competitive and exciting weight classes through her dominant championship reign and technical excellence. She elevated the profile of women's MMA in Europe and inspired a generation of Polish fighters to pursue mixed martial arts.
Career Honours
- UFC Women's Strawweight Champion 2015-2017
- most consecutive strawweight wins (8)
Polish Athletes