‘But Racing Was Always My Dream’- Joanna Jedrzejczyk Reveals a Surprising Goal After Retiring From Fighting

Joanna Jedrzejczyk is one of the most prominent women fighters in the UFC. However, after failing to regain the strawweight gold against the Chinese fighter, Zhang Weili at UFC 248, Jedrzejczyk took a hiatus from the UFC octagon.

The Polish women’s fighter has fought many top-tier fighters in the UFC. However, it has been almost two years since Jedrzejczyk is out of action. Surprisingly, the Poland-born seemed to enjoy her time away from the octagon, exploring her passion in various other fields.

Recently, the former strawweight champion made her debut in off-road rallies and plans to pursue a career behind the wheels after retiring from MMA. In her recent interview with SCMP MMA, Jedrzejczyk revealed her childhood dream of becoming a professional race driver.

Jedrzejczyk said, “Last weekend I did my first race. I want to be a driver. I am a professional driver, a racing driver and in the future, I want to do Dakar, maybe in three or four years after I retire from martial arts. When I was a teenager, I had so many dreams.”

“I had so many passions and was passionate about so many things, but like I had no money. No options to do these things, but now I can do whatever I want to do. It’s good to follow your dreams, you know. Sometimes we have to wait to make our dreams come true,” she added.

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She further said, “So many weeks, years, but I am very happy where I am right now. I am enjoying my life. I am human, that’s the most important thing. But racing was always my dream. And I did the license. And did my professional training. I did my first race, and I fell in love. It’s amazing.”

Joanna Jedrzejczyk Returns to Fighting

Joanna Jedrzejczyk has an amazing professional fighting career of 16-4 under her belt. Right after her debut in the UFC, the Poland-born made her mark in the division with stunning wins.

Jedrzejczyk became the women’s strawweight champion at UFC 185. Unfortunately, the 34-year-old lost her UFC gold to Rose Namajunas at UFC 217 and faced the same fate in the rematch.

After a 3-4 record since 2017, Jedrzejczyk took a break from fighting. However, she has hinted at a return to the octagon and is been itching for a fight. The Poland-born stated in the same interview that she has been in strong preparation for her comeback and will take whatever is served on her table.

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Since the champion ‘Thug Rose’ is fresh from her recent win over the Chinese contender and might take some time to fight her next, Jedrzejczyk has expressed her desire for a second clash against Weili.

Also, the former women’s strawweight champion is willing to take on the #2 Carla Esparza, who she previously defeated at UFC 185. All in all, Jedrzejczyk’s comeback to fighting will surely excite the UFC fans.

What are your thoughts on Jedrzejczyk pursuing racing after UFC? Who do you think Jedrzejczyk should fight for her comeback? Let us know in the comments.