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Joanna Jędrzejczyk

Joanna Jędrzejczyk is a Polish former professional mixed martial artist, Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer born in Olsztyn, Poland, on 18 August 1987.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joanna Jędrzejczyk is a Polish former professional mixed martial artist, Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer who became the first Polish fighter to compete in the UFC. Born on 18 August 1987 in Olsztyn, Poland, she held the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship from 2015 to 2017. She officially retired from professional competition after a June 2022 loss to Zhang Weili and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.

Early life and background

Jędrzejczyk was born on 18 August 1987 in Olsztyn, Poland. Sources describe her as having competed in boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing and later mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

She made her UFC debut in 2014 and became UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion in 2015. Her UFC run established her as one of the most successful European women in the promotion.

Achievements in Muay Thai

Before and alongside MMA, Jędrzejczyk built an extensive Muay Thai résumé, including multiple world and European titles at amateur and professional level.

Retirement and legacy

After announcing retirement in 2022, Jędrzejczyk remained a prominent figure in combat sports. In 2024, UFC officially added her to its Hall of Fame.

Key facts

  • Jędrzejczyk was the first Polish fighter to compete in the UFC.
  • She held the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship from 2015 to 2017.
  • Her UFC record included five successful title defenses and an eight-fight winning streak at strawweight.
  • She retired after a June 2022 loss to Zhang Weili.
  • She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.
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Canadian context

She has no strong Canada-specific connection in the provided sources, though Canadian MMA audiences will know her as a major former UFC champion and Hall of Fame inductee.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joanna Jędrzejczyk?
She is a Polish former professional mixed martial artist, Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer best known for her UFC championship run.
What is Joanna Jędrzejczyk known for?
She is known for becoming the first Polish fighter in the UFC and for winning the UFC Women’s Strawweight title.
When was Joanna Jędrzejczyk born?
She was born on 18 August 1987.
What division did she fight in at UFC?
She competed mainly in the women’s strawweight division, and later also in flyweight-related bouts and rankings.
When did she retire?
She announced the end of her fighting career after a June 2022 bout against Zhang Weili.
Was Joanna Jędrzejczyk inducted into a hall of fame?
Yes. UFC announced her Hall of Fame induction in 2024.

References

  1. Polish Wikipedia — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_J%C4%99drzejczyk
    Supports: Birth date and place; Polish nationality; combat sports background; UFC championship; first Polish UFC fighter
  2. English Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_J%C4%99drzejczyk
    Supports: Former professional MMA/Muay Thai/kickboxing career; UFC records and title defenses
  3. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/37708-joanna-jedrzejczyk
    Supports: MMA record; birthplace; Muay Thai background
  4. Interia Sport — https://sport.interia.pl/sportowe-zycie/news-jedrzejczyk-zrobila-to-po-zakonczeniu-kariery-trudniejsze-ni,nId,23504365
    Supports: Retirement after June 2022 loss; UFC Hall of Fame induction in 2024