Preparing to return to the octagon after 27 months out, and against a fellow former champion whom she narrowly lost to in one of the most memorable fights in UFC history, Joanna Jedrzejczyk isn’t overly concerned about the lengthy layoff.
Not at all, in fact.
“People talking about being rusty, about the dust ... that's just something from Florida,” Jedrzejczyk tells The National from her hotel room in Singapore, days from the rematch with Zhang Weili at UFC 275. “I will prove that I’m one of the greatest on Saturday.”
Few would argue with Jedrzejczyk’s credentials. After winning the strawweight title from Carla Esparza in March 2015, the Pole held the belt for more than two years, defending it five times and becoming one of the most must-watch fighters in mixed martial arts.
Eventually losing the title to Rose Namajunas, there have been three championship bouts since: an immediate rematch with Namajunas, a vacant flyweight title clash with Valentina Shevchenko, and the epic 2020 Fight of the Year with Weili. Jedrzejczyk suffered defeats in each, but they did little to diminish her stature in the game.
Yet, having taken that time away from the UFC to work on several businesses and personal projects, Jedrzejczyk has returned with renewed hunger. And, apparently, an even more honed skill set following almost five months training at American Top Team.
“More skilled and smarter,” Jedrzejczyk says. “I will be using my tools smarter than I used to. That’s the thing, I know my value. I know I’m one of the greatest. I know people go crazy, ‘Oh she hasn’t fought in two years'. But I do not worry about it.
“In general, I’m this type pf person who likes to do things outside. I just launched my supplement company, my sports-equipment company; I released my second biography; documentary movie; I started playing piano, tennis; did my wrestling debut; graduated in other studies.
“Actually next year is going to be two decades [in combat sports]. And I’ve been very busy: I did almost 100 fights in Muay Thai, kickboxing and boxing. Mostly in Muay Thai, but after that I made this transition to MMA and I was a very dominant champion with five successful title defences. So there was no time for myself.
“I’m very happy that I took that break. I feel the right balance between my personal life and business life and sports life. My body is refreshed, but I haven’t stopped training. That’s the thing: the last two years I’ve been learning new things and sharpening my tools. And I feel great. I feel happy. That’s the key to success.
“People forget about this: ‘Oh, you’re losing because you do all these other things’. I was always like this, a person full of passion, full of living. I’m living my best life.”
It seems so. A 34, Jedrzejczyk, has negotiated an improved UFC contract, and returns to the promotion against the opponent she wanted. She targeted a return against Weili, the opportunity to make up for that incredible, split-decision loss in March 2020.
And so it will be, at a sold-out Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday morning UAE time.
“I just wanted to be back," Jedrzejczyk says. "This is what I need, this is who I am. I never stopped training and I’m just super happy. In October, I decided to be back and I took a while, but I extended the camp and am well prepared and here we go. Just a few more days, I can’t believe it’s that close.
“I remember when I said two more months, four more weeks, and we are just a few days from this venue. We always wait for the fight week to refresh our body and minds, get the right speed, bring the weight down, and finally dance in the octagon. Can’t wait.”
In contrast to Jedrzejczyk, Weili has competed since their original match-up. Having moved to a 21-win streak with that victory in 2020, she has though lost her past two bouts, both to Namajunas.
Jedrzejczyk sees a different Weili now, even if she acknowledges she carries still a considerable threat.
“She’s one of the most dangerous strawweights in UFC history and it’ll be a tough fight,” Jedrzejczyk says. “But I feel like she is not the same after our first fight. I lost, but I feel like she was surprised how I showed up.
“Of course, she knew it was not going to be easy. But I feel like she’s not the same. But I really truly believe – I know – she’s in her best shape ever, same as me. So let’s forget about the past. Let’s look at what’s going to happen on Saturday.”
Forgetting hasn't been easy. Jedrzejczyk has watched back the 2020 fight, mostly on coach Mike Brown's instruction, checking what mistakes were made and will thus need to be corrected this weekend.
This time, it’s three rounds instead of five. Which, the always-dynamic Jedrzejczyk declares, could make for even more compelling viewing.
“I just have to be more violent, more aggressive, stick to the plan and be smart at the same time,” she says. “From the first seconds. I can’t leave it in the judges’ hands. From the first seconds, I have to be dominant, have to play my game.”
Play her game, be dominant, and another bid for the strawweight belt, against current champion Esparza, would be next. UFC president Dana White confirmed as much this week.
“One of us will get the title shot after this fight,” Jedrzejczyk says. “But it’s going to be me fighting Carla Esparza next ... at Madison Square Garden, maybe?”
Or, Jedrzejczyk is reminded, there’s a major event in Abu Dhabi – UFC 281 – in October. The timing would fit.
“Or Abu Dhabi, I would love to come,” she smiles. “I’ve heard good things about it. Looks beautiful.”
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
JERSEY INFO
Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.
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Ferrari
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
PROFILE
Name: Enhance Fitness
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 200
Amount raised: $3m
Investors: Global Ventures and angel investors
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Racecard
5pm: Al Maha Stables – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: The President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: The President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m
India team for Sri Lanka series
Test squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wk), KS Bharath (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Sourabh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
T20 squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
match info
Union Berlin 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')
Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)
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MATCH INFO
RB Leipzig 2 (Klostermann 24', Schick 68')
Hertha Berlin 2 (Grujic 9', Piatek 82' pen)
Man of the match Matheus Cunha (Hertha Berlin
FIGHT CARD
1. Featherweight 66kg
Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg
Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg
Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
4. Lightweight 70kg
Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
5. Featherweight 66kg
Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Kagimu Kigga (UGA)
6. Catchweight 85kg
Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) v Iuri Fraga (BRA)
7. Featherweight 66kg
Yousef Al Husani (UAE) v Mohamed Allam (EGY)
8. Catchweight 73kg
Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Abdipatta Abdizhali (KGZ)
9. Featherweight 66kg
Jaures Dea (CMR) v Andre Pinheiro (BRA)
10. Catchweight 90kg
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
MATCH INFO
Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern: Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)
Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)
