Joanna Jedrzejczyk has been the woman to beat in the UFC’s strawweight division since she won the title in 2015. Expectedly, she continues to be called out by her fellow 115-pounders who are eager to get hold of their shot at UFC glory.
One of the challengers who voiced out their intentions was number four-ranked Rose Namajunas, who faces Michelle Waterson at UFC on FOX 24 on April 15th. During last Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, Jedrzejczyk revealed an encounter with “Thug Rose” in January during the UFC’s event in Denver, when her beef supposedly started.
“You know what’s weird? Like, I met Rose. I have so much respect for this girl,” Jedrzejczyk said (via MMA Fighting). “I think she’s one of the most talented strawweights in the UFC, but she needs more experience. But, I think there is something wrong with her head.”
“The thing is, like, I met her in Denver. We shake hands, we spoke to each other,” she continued. “And two days after, I heard that she was like, ‘oh, I want to beat Joanna.’ Shut up. You had your chance to beat Karolina and Carla Esparza before, and some others, but you just lost. Come on. Work hard, get your ass to the gym, put on better fights, and you’re going to get this title shot.”
“But be honest. If you don’t like me, don’t shake my hand and don’t talk to me. Don’t talk behind my back. I’m kind of a straight person and this is what makes me mad. I’m good with that, but I think Michelle Waterson will [beat] Rose.”
Given her assessment of the fight, Jedrzejczyk is expecting “The Karate Hottie” to be her next challenger for the belt.
“I’m impressed with her. Let’s see. She has a good fight coming up with Rose, so we will see. We will see. I think that she might be my next challenger after I beat Jessica.”
Jedrzejczyk is slated for her fifth title defense Jessica Andrade at UFC 211 on May 13th in Dallas.
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