Joanna Jędrzejczyk Explains Uncommonly Friendly Faceoff with Jessica Andrade


UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk was friendly with her opponent, Jessica Andrade, during Wednesday’s media day.

Jedrzejczyk has built a reputation for having one of the most intimidating staredowns in all of the UFC.

On Wednesday, Jedrzejczyk talked to Ariel Helwani, of MMAfighting, and discussed why she was friendly.

“We respect each other. We know each other for a long time,” Jedrzejczyk said.

“There is no bad blood between us. It’s all about the emotions. I was preparing for this fight for a very long time and I’m full of respect for Jessica. We are going to put on a great show. I’m in a good mood. I feel strong physically and mentally, and you’re going to see a better Joanna than in my last fight.”

Jedrzejczyk is undefeated with 11 wins. Her last four fights have all been successful title defenses. She has title wins against Carla Esparza, Jessica Penne, Valerie Letourneau, Claudia Gadelha, and Karolina Kowalkiewicz.

Andrade is on a three-fight win streak and is unbeaten as a strawweight. She is coming off wins against Penne, Joanne Calderwood, and Angela Hill.

Jedrzejczyk will fight Andrade in the co-main event of UFC 211 on Saturday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.