Joanna Jedrzejczyk makes no apologies for the way she reacted towards challenger Claudia Gadelha while the two were coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 23.
Jedrzejczyk and Gadelha will settle things Friday night in the main event with the UFC strawweight title on the line at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. The card airs live on FOX Sports 1.
Following her split decision win over Gadelha, Jedrzejczyk won the title with a dominating performance over Carla Esparza. She has since successfully defended it twice.
“It was probably one of the longest camps in my life,” she said during a recent appearance on UFC Tonight. “I’m prepared for it. You’re going to see a good fight. I have a lot of respect for her. But I’m the champ. I fought 11 rounds, she just had one fight, three rounds, since our last fight.
“The most important exam is the fight for us fighters. I did my homework. I’m ready. I’m getting more confident and calm before the fight. I’m just focused on the fight.”
As for her feud with Gadelha, Jedrzejczyk isn’t letting any of that outside-the-Octagon “stuff” bother her now.
“I said what I said and did what I did,” she stated. “We don’t like each other. I hope after my victory we’re going to shake hands. I must fight for my dreams and goals.
“She’s a very good fighter but she’s not going to take away my belt.”
