Sherdog’s Top 10: European Mixed Martial Artists

9. Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Her name gives UFC commentator Mike Goldberg fits. Joking aside, Jedrzejczyk has joined some exclusive company in what was until a few years ago a male-dominated sport, and the fact that she has not yet turned 30 means she could carve out a much more significant legacy for herself by the time her career comes to an end.

A muay Thai stylist from Poland, her background has suited her well inside the Octagon. Jedrzejczyk’s precise high-volume striking has led to some overwhelming performances against some of MMA’s best at 115 pounds, including Jessica Penne and Carla Esparza. She bested her biggest rival and threat for a second time at “The Ultimate Fighter 23” Finale, where she took a lopsided unanimous decision from Claudia Gadelha and retained the UFC women’s strawweight championship. “Joanna Champion” figures to be favored against any other challenger for the foreseeable future.

Jedrzejczyk currently owns a perfect 12-0 record. At 28 years of age, she has only begun to test her powers -- a frightening thought for the rest of the strawweight division. During her three-fight reign as champion, the Polish superstar has connected on 522 significant strikes, per FightMetric; her opponents have landed just 191.

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