Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili stepped inside the octagon to take on Joanna Jedrzejczyk in a three-round bout at UFC 275. It is needless to say that this matchup was one of the most anticipated bouts on the card because their first fight at UFC 248 was undeniably the greatest women’s title fight in the history of UFC.
Going into this fight, both Weili and Jedrzejczyk were coming off losses in their previous fights. Magnum failed to win against Rose Namajunas in their title fight rematch. Meanwhile, the Polish strawweight’s last fight was against Weili where she suffered a unanimous decision loss.
IT’S TIME FOR THE REMATCH 🔥
STREAM #UFC275 NOW ▶️ https://t.co/Lvgzb6knqr pic.twitter.com/6f9wWER14M
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 12, 2022
Consequently, there was a lot at stake for both these fighters as the winner would become the number one contender and fight against Carla Esparza for the strawweight belt. This rematch proved to be just as advertised with both Weili and Jedrzejczyk engaged in a wild battle.
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
But Zhang Weili’s striking power proved too hot to handle for Joanna as the Chinese strawweight knocked the Polish fighter with a brutal spinning backfist in the second round of the fight. With this dominating win, Magnum has put this rivalry to bed and will most likely compete for the title.
Zhang Weili outclasses Joanna Jedrzejczyk with her takedowns in the rematch are UFC 275
Unlike the first bout where both fighters completely battled it out with their brilliant striking skills, Zhang Weili brought her wrestling skills to the table in this rematch against Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
After an early striking exchange where Joanna landed few good leg kicks, Zhang Weili dominated the Polish strawweight with her striking power. Thereafter she went for the takedowns and successfully controlled Joanna on the ground. Weili landed some good ground and pound strikes and had Joanna in complete trouble.
In the second round, Joanna Jedrzejczyk made a comeback with some good shots. But Zhang Weili stunned the entire arena including Joanna after landing a mesmerizing spinning backfist to finish the bout in the second round.
After this loss, Joanna Jedrzejczyk shocked the entire arena by announcing her retirement. She apologized to Dana White and called it an end to her UFC career.
An emotional Joanna Jedrzejczyk announces her retirement from MMA: "I'm retired, guys. I love you so much. Thank you for this opportunity. UFC, Dana, so sorry I let you down." #ufc275
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) June 12, 2022
Regardless of this defeat, Joanna has established herself as one of the best female fighters in the history of the sport. After almost twenty years of fighting, the Polish fighter has hanged her gloves.