Joanna Jedrzejczyk has long stated publicly her goal to retire as an unbeaten champion. But the queen of the UFC women’s strawweight division now has a more immediate target in site: besting Ronda Rousey’s championship record.
Rousey holds the UFC mark for women with six title defenses from 2013 until her bantamweight title reign came to an end at the hands of Holly Holm in 2015. Jedrzejczyk (13-0), who stopped inaugural champ Carla Esparza for the 115-pound crown two years ago at UFC 185, currently has four title defenses.
“I want that record,” Jedrzejczyk told MMAFighting.com on Monday. “I want this female record, which is six title defenses straight. And then I will look up to the guys’ [record].”
Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva holds the overall UFC record with 10 title defenses between 2007-2012. For Jedrzejczyk to approach that mark, she will need to remain active and healthy while fighting off the burnout and increased attention that comes with being a star, which some believe ultimately befell Rousey.
“Every fighting career is different,” Jedrzejczyk said. “We are all different. Our lives are different. But the thing is, of course I learned some [from Rousey’s situation] but I’m trying to be smart for myself. There was a time when I could fly to Poland for 10 days, do like seven days of media.
“Now, it’s time to just get ready for the fight. Eight-and-a-half weeks, I will [focus only] getting ready for UFC 211, and the thing is, no one is going to get my attention.”
The 29-year-old Polish star will look for her fifth defense when she faces Brazil’s Jessica Andrade (16-5) on June 3 in Dallas.
