Joanna Jedrzejczyk admits it was “really difficult” to follow through with her decision to retire.
Jedrzejczyk (16-5 MMA) is a former strawweight champion with a record five previous title defenses.
The 36-year-old will officially be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this June. Jedrzejczyk is the second woman to receive such an honor, her first being Ronda Rousey (12-2 mixed martial arts) in 2018.
The announcement of her upcoming Hall of Fame induction was made during the broadcast of UFC 299 earlier this month.
Just recently, Joanna Jedrzejczyk spoke with Bleacher Report's Tom Taylor from her home in Poland to discuss her joy and mixed emotions upon receiving the honor.
“That's why I was crying. To be honest, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about coming back. I want to stay loyal and stick with my decision (retirement), but it's really hard. I'm happy, but something is missing (if I don't fight).''
Joanna went on to say:
“Yesterday, I was trying to unpack my stuff from my old apartment, and I found a bunch of pictures from back in the day, pictures from my first (UFC) fight, and pictures from when I won the belt. Oh, since I got to the UFC. I thought to myself, 10 years have passed.”
Joanna Jedrzejczyk said of her favorite moment in her career:
“I always tell people[my favorite moment of my career]was my UFC debut, and they're like, 'Why?' Because that's where it all started. is.”
“Somebody gave me a big opportunity and my dream was about to come true. (While walking towards the Octagon) In my head, they're making you shine, J, so the most Please shine like a bright star.”
Finally, the former strawweight queen spoke about her decision to retire:
“I retired because I didn't want to ruin my legacy. There are guys like (Jose) Aldo and Conor (McGregor), there are so many, and it feels so bad when they lose. becomes worse.”
“I don't want to do this to my friends and fans because I want them to remember me as the best person.”
“I have the right to wake up tomorrow and change my mind.”
It will be very emotional for Joanna Jedrzejczyk to receive the honor of being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer. But as often happens, when one door closes, another opens.
Would you like to see Jedrzejczyk return to MMA in a different capacity?
Please share your thoughts in the comments section. PENN Nation!
