Joanna Jedrzejczyk, synonymous with excellence in mixed martial arts, has built a legacy far beyond her impressive fighting career.
Joanna is a devout Catholic and often prays with a rosary before her fight.
This article will teach Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joanna Jędrzejczyk |
| Birthdate | August 18, 1987 |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Reach | 65.5″ (1.66 m) |
| Weight Class | Women’s Strawweight and Flyweight |
| Martial Arts Background | Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Personal Life | Formerly engaged to Przemysław Buta, a former Polish football player |
| Current Status | Retired from mixed martial arts as of June 2022 |
| Team | American Top Team |
Born on August 18, 1987, in Olsztyn, Poland, Joanna Jedrzejczyk discovered her passion for martial arts at a young age.
Early Career
She began training in Muay Thai at 16, which eventually led her to compete in national and European tournaments.
Her amateur Muay Thai career was spectacular, with six IFMA world medals and four IFMA European championships.
MMA Career
Joanna transitioned to mixed martial arts in May 2012 and quickly made a name for herself. She went undefeated in her first nine fights, setting the stage for her eventual rise to the top of the UFC.
In March 2015, she won the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship by defeating Carla Esparza at UFC 185.
This victory marked the beginning of a dominant reign, during which she successfully defended her title 5 times against formidable opponents like Jessica Penne, Cláudia Gadelha, and Jéssica Andrade.
Fiance
She was previously engaged to Przemysław Buta, a former Polish football player, from 2016 to 2019.
However, they broke off the engagement due to personal issues, including infidelity by her fiancé.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s Net Worth Details
Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025.
Contract
Joanna Jędrzejczyk was contracted with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the women’s strawweight and flyweight divisions.
She joined the UFC in 2014 and competed until her retirement in 2022. She was part of the American Top Team, a prominent MMA training team.
Career Earnings
One of her biggest paydays came from the TUF: Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia finale, where she earned $300,000, including a $50,000 ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus and $40,000 from a Reebok sponsorship.
She made $16,000 for her UFC debut against Juliana Lima, which included an $8,000 win bonus.
Endorsements
Endorsement deals have played a significant role in Joanna’s financial success. Here are some notable endorsements:
- Reebok: One of her most significant endorsement deals was with Reebok, which she signed in 2015. This deal was announced shortly after her title win over Jessica Penne, and it marked her as one of the prominent female fighters to secure an individual endorsement deal with the company.
- Promotional Activities: As part of her Reebok deal, Jędrzejczyk aimed to inspire women in Poland to train in MMA and fitness. She emphasized the importance of fitness and MMA techniques in her promotional activities with Reebok.
- Other Affiliations: While specific details about other endorsement deals are not extensively documented, her status as a former UFC champion and influence in the MMA world likely led to various other promotional and sponsorship opportunities.
Fight Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Record | 16-5-0 |
| Wins by KO | 4 |
| Wins by Submission | 1 |
| Wins by Decision | 11 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Notable Titles | Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion |
| Last Fight | Lost to Weili Zhang by KO/TKO at UFC 275 on June 11, 2022 |
| Notable Wins | – Defeated Carla Esparza to win the UFC Strawweight title at UFC 185 – Defended the title 5 times against Jessica Penne, Valerie Létourneau, Claudia Gadelha, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and Jessica Andrade |
| Notable Losses | – Lost the title to Rose Namajunas at UFC 217 and UFC 223 – Lost to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 231 – Lost to Weili Zhang at UFC 248 and UFC 275 |
Key Achievements
- Most successful strawweight title defenses (5)
- Most consecutive wins at strawweight (8)
- First Polish champion and first female European champion in the UFC
- Six IFMA world medals (five gold, one silver) and four IFMA European championships in Muay Thai
- Five world titles in professional Muay Thai and kickboxing
FAQs
1. What is Joanna Jedrzejczyk most famous for in MMA?
She is best known for capturing the UFC women’s strawweight championship and successfully defending it five times, holding records for most title defenses and longest win streak in division history.
2. What are Jedrzejczyk’s career achievements and titles?
Jedrzejczyk became the first Polish UFC champion and first European woman to win a UFC belt. Her Muay Thai career included multiple world titles, and she earned Fight of the Night bonuses and UFC Hall of Fame induction in 2024.
3. When did Jedrzejczyk start her MMA and UFC journey?
She debuted in professional MMA in 2012 and entered the UFC in 2014. After just three UFC fights, she won the strawweight title from Carla Esparza in March 2015.
4. What was Jedrzejczyk’s fighting style and what made her unique?
Her style featured high-volume striking, technical Muay Thai, outstanding takedown defense, and relentless pace. Opponents struggled with her speed, accuracy, and exceptional movement.
5. Which major rivals did Jedrzejczyk face in her career?
She fought Rose Namajunas twice in title fights, battled Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight belt, and went five rounds in a historic match versus Zhang Weili. Jessica Andrade, Claudia Gadelha, and Karolina Kowalkiewicz are other notable rivals.
6. What was Jedrzejczyk’s final MMA record and why did she retire?
She retired in June 2022 with a professional MMA record of 16 wins and 5 losses. Jedrzejczyk cited a desire for motherhood, business pursuits, and having competed at the highest level for two decades.
7. Which fight is often called the greatest women’s MMA bout?
Jedrzejczyk’s 2020 split-decision loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 248 is called the greatest women’s MMA fight ever. Both athletes showed grit and technical brilliance in a five-round war.
8. Who coached and influenced Jedrzejczyk’s MMA journey?
Mike Brown led her training at American Top Team. She credits both Polish and American coaches for refining her Muay Thai and evolving her ground game, building her championship legacy.
9. What has Jedrzejczyk done outside of fighting?
She has worked as a sports commentator, model, and businesswoman, using her fame to promote mixed martial arts, women’s sports, and health advocacy in Poland and internationally.
10. What is Jedrzejczyk’s legacy in women’s MMA and the UFC?
Her reign set a new standard for women’s strawweight, inspiring fighters with her work ethic, resilience, and determination. She is widely recognized as one of the most important female fighters in UFC history.
