UFC 185's Joanna Jedrzejczyk dismisses Esparza's wrestling: 'I'm going to be better'

Carla Esparza and Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Joanna Jedrzejczyk knows Carla Esparza is a force on the ground, but she isn’t going to taper her strategy for Saturday’s UFC 185 title fight around her opponent’s strengths.

Jedrzejczyk (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is primarily a striker. However, just like she knows Esparza (10-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) can’t beat her with one weapon, she knows she can’t expect to capture the UFC women’s strawweight championship without a diverse offensive arsenal.

“Her wrestling is very good, but she didn’t have very many good striking opponents,” Jedrzejczyk told MMAjunkie. “I can hit hard and I can sprawl well, so I’m ready for it. I’m a complete MMA fighter. I can do some grappling, jiu-jitsu – so, yeah. That’s all.”

While it takes a well-rounded skillset to succeed in the current MMA climate, Esparza leans heavily on her wrestling to win fights. She’s got solid stand up, but Esparza’s run to UFC gold consisted mostly of her fighting on the ground.

Poland’s Jedrzejczyk doesn’t have the wrestling pedigree of her opponent, but that doesn’t always matter, she said. Fights come down to which side can best implement a given strategy. Jedrzejczyk doesn’t think Esparza will be able to achieve hers.

“Everyone is talking about her good wrestling – I don’t care,” Jedrzejczyk said. “I’m going to be better. I’m a tough fighter and I’m not going to give up.”

UFC 185 takes place Saturday at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and UFC Fight Pass.

Esparza won the UFC’s inaugural 115-pound title when she topped Rose Namajunas at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale in December. Just one day later, Jedrzejczyk upset Claudia Gadelha in a No. 1 contenders bout at UFC on FOX 13 to solidify her chance at the belt.

Despite her undefeated record, Jedrzejczyk is pegged as the betting underdog as she enters her first UFC title fight. The 27-year-old embraces that position and said her previous underdog victories provide faith she can get the job done again.

“I’m always the underdog,” Jedrzejczyk said. “Even in the fight with Claudia. But I’m happy to be here and I don’t feel much pressure. Everything in is your head and how hard you work for it.”

In anticipation of the most significant fight of her career, Jedrzejczyk traveled to the U.S. roughly two weeks before the event to put the finishing touches on training camp and acclimate.

Jedrzejczyk recently flew to Los Angeles to participate in the UFC’s “Welcome to the Show” news conference. Many of the UFC’s champions, including Jon Jones, Chris Weidman, Demetrious Johnson and T.J. Dillashaw, were in attendance, as was Esparza.

At the conclusion of the press conference, each set of opponents faced off. Jedrzejczyk had no problem getting in Esparza’s face and letting her know she believes there will soon be a new champion. Jedrzejczyk said she wasn’t trying to disrespect her opponent, but rather make her aware that a new champion may be on the way.

“It was a pleasure for me to be there with all the champions and with Dana (White),” Jedrzejczyk said. “Soon I’m going to be a champion, so it’s going to be normal and you’re going to see me every time.

“I have lots of respect for her. I’m always looking into their eyes so I know what I can expect. It’s going to be good. I know she’s not going to give up easy, so it’s going to be a tough fight for me and for her.”

Jedrzejczyk’s combat sports career began with years of muay Thai matches. It’s been less than three years since her MMA debut, though, and already she’s challenging for a world title at the highest level. That’s a rare opportunity for someone still so green in the sport, and that’s just one reason why Jedrzejczyk plans to make the most of it.

“I’m going to be happy (when I win the belt),” Jedrzejczyk said. “I’m going to be happy more inside than outside. I’m working so hard for it. Being a fighter is a very difficult job. Every day before I go to sleep I’m thinking about it. I pray for it. I can see it.”

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