With a name that’s difficult to pronounce, and even harder to spell, Jędrzejczyk secured her position as one of the organisation’s elite female fighters back in March when she dethroned Carla Esparza in devastating fashion. UFC 185’s co-main event couldn't have gone any better for Jędrzejczyk as she brutalised the former champion for almost ten minutes with an array of crisp strikes and shockingly effective counter wrestling. With her last outing so successful, don’t be surprised if this is the European-based champion’s default strategy going forward.
A decorated former multiple-time champion in both kickboxing and muay-thai, and currently undefeated in MMA with a record of 9-0, Jędrzejczyk has surprised many so far with her ability to fend off takedown attempts from her opponents. The Pole has also demonstrated the ability to maintain a relentless pace, a trait that will definitely come in handy if she looks to repeat her last performance and remain at the peak of the division.
Riding incredibly low under the radar is Jessica Penne; a former Bellator veteran and Invicta atomweight champion whose disappointing turn on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter has led to many dismissing her as mere cannon fodder. In reality Penne represents a credible threat to the title thanks to her well-rounded skillset. Jędrzejczyk and fans alike would be foolish to overlook this latest challenger.
Well-versed in grappling and submission fighting, Penne loves to engage in close quarters, taking the fight to the mat where her excellent jiu-jitsu is usually set up by suffocating ground-and-pound. Of her 12 career victories secured since 2006, an impressive 7 of those have come by way of submission.
Prediction: To have any hope in defeating the champion, Penne will need to take the fight to the ground, something her former rival Esparza struggled with massively. If she succeeds where the former champ failed, Penne should have the necessary skills to keep the fight there. Unfortunately for her however I don’t think this is going to happen. Jędrzejczyk’s counter wrestling has proved incredibly effective in previous outings. Jędrzejczyk can, and should stuff any takedown attempts, so expect her to use her considerable striking credentials to dominate Penne en-route to a successful first defence via unanimous decision.
UFC Fight Night Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:
Lightweight - Nick Hein vs. Łukasz Sajewski
Welterweight - Peter Sobotta vs. Steve Kennedy
Featherweight - Dennis Siver vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri
Women’s Strawweight Championship - Joanna Jędrzejczyk © vs. Jessica Penne
UFC Fight Picks 2015 Record: 39-18
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