UFC Tampa: Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s Striking Rules The Day Against Michelle Waterson

Michelle Waterson showcased plenty of heart and kept fighting back for 25 minutes, but Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s renowned striking game was too much for the strawweight at UFC Tampa.

Round one

Not long into the fight, Waterson shot in but was unable to take Jedrzejczyk down. Jedrzejczyk showcased her fast hands in follow-up exchanges and Waterson clinched up. Jedrzejczyk was the busier of the two in the clinch, as the Muay Thai champ went to work with knees and punches. Late in the round, Jedrzejczyk scored with a couple of nice elbows.

Round two

Jedrzejczyk came with plenty of volume to begin round two. Waterson changed levels a couple of minutes in and clinched up. Jedrzejczyk broke free and continue to fire in punches, before Waterson pushed her to the fence again. Jedrzejczyk reversed positions and began working with knees and punches again. Waterson broke free but took a kick moments later. Jedrzejczyk scored with several more strikes before the round ended.

Round three

The left side of Waterson’s shirt was very bloodied up to begin round three. Jedrzejczyk’s continued to mix in punches and kicks very well. Waterson clinched up once again, but Jedrzejczyk took her back and took her to the floor. Waterson got back to her feet but Jedrzejczyk continued to fire in kicks. With one minute left, Waterson shot in and managed to take Jedrzejczyk’s back. Waterson started hunting for a rear-naked-choke but Jedrzejczyk defended.

Round four

Jedrzejczyk continued to be the busier of the two fighters, during the opening minutes of round four. Jedrzejczyk’s steady stream of kicks continued and the former champ pressed forward. Waterson continued to return fire, but the round was likely Jedrzejczyk’s again.

Round five

The opening minutes of round five saw the same, but at the three-minute mark, Waterson shot in and took Jedrzejczyk’s back. Jedrzejczyk worked her way out, and both women fired strikes before the fight came to an end. Entertaining fight, but it should go to Jedrzejczyk.

Jedrzejczyk was awarded the decision win after the fight, moving her record to 16-3. The former champ also said she broke her foot in the second or third round.

Here are the complete results for UFC Tampa.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Michelle Waterson via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)

Cub Swanson def. Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Niko Price def. James Vick via KO (upkick) R1, 1:44

Amanda Ribas def. Mackenzie Dern via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Matt Frevola def. Luis Pena via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Eryk Anders def. Gerald Meerschaert via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Ryan Spann def. Devin Clark via submission (guillotine choke) R2, 2:01

Mike Davis def. Thomas Gifford via KO (punch) R3, 4:45

Alex Morono def. Max Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Deiveson Figueiredo def. Tim Elliott via submission (guillotine choke) R1, 3:08

Marlon Vera def. Andre Ewell via TKO (elbows & punches) R3, 3:17