Joanna Jedrzejczyk's 'No. 1 interest' is Zhang Weili rematch or 'big fight' in UFC return

LAS VEGAS – Joanna Jedrzejczyk is only looking to fight the upper echelon of the UFC strawweight division in her return.

The former champion hasn’t competed since her Fight of the Year against Zhang Weili in March 2020 at UFC 248, and avenging her loss is the top priority.

“I have No. 1 interest in this fight,” Jedrzejczyk told reporters, including MMA Junkie on Saturday while a guest fighter at UFC 272.

But if Jedrzejczyk (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) doesn’t get Weili (21-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC), whom she says currently is dealing with visa and quarantine issues, she wants either the champion or the projected next title challenger.

“I have three names I want to fight: Rose Namajunas, No. 1 contender Carla Esparza, or Weili Zhang,” Jedrzejczyk said. “We put on a hell of a performance. Why not do it again?

“I’m waiting on big fights only. Weili was busy with fighting Rose, so now Carla Esparza shows up. She’s the next pretendant, and I’m ready to get back. But I was focused on myself, on getting better. I feel strong physically, mentally and just happy to be here. I’m training really hard.”