Current UFC Women?s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk is preparing for a title defense against Karolina Kowalkiewiecz at UFC 205. Before she steps into the Octagon on November 12, Jedrzejczyk made a huge change in her MMA career by moving to Florida to train at American Top Team (ATT).
The transition to a new team was a tough one for the champion, who talked to PrzegladSportowy.pl about the move from her native Poland to Florida.
"This may sound selfish, but I had to think of myself," Jedrzejczyk said. "I care about eating well, getting enough sleeping, and being ready to workout, because this will all matter on the day of the fight. I believe now I've found the right place, and I have arranged it all myself. When preparing for a fight, I must be selfish. I have to know that I will be able to cope physically and mentally. I feel like I'm on a mission now. I miss my loved ones from Olsztyn in Poland, but I have to do what's best for me to make sure I win."
Besides the change in scenery, the UFC Women?s Strawweight Champion had to deal with the other female fighters who train at ATT, some of which she may have to fight down the road in the UFC.
"To be honest first days were... quite difficult," Jedrzejczyk said. "Girls weren't amazed that I'm here. Valerie, Amanda Nunes, Nina Ansaroff, and Tecia Torres seemed to be saying to themselves 'What is Jedrzejczyk doing here?' Valerie I beat, Tecia dropped in rankings, Nina hasn't fought for a long time... What are we even talking about? What kind of threat am I to them? What kind of threat are they to me? After a few days, one of them said 'Joanna is a beast.' I think they finally saw what it takes to get on top, to get that belt, and defend it. Jessica Aguilar stuck up for me and said 'Girls, why are you gossiping about Joanna? Let's train normally and just learn from the best in the world.' They thought that I came there only for a while. And I think that I found a place to train at for the rest of my career."
UFC 205 is taking place on Saturday, November 12 from Madison Square Garden in New York, New York with Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor headlining.