Zhang Weili knocked out Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a devastating spinning backfist in their UFC 275 rematch.
Jedrzejczyk and Zhang produced arguably the greatest fight in women's MMA history when they first met at UFC 248 in 2020. Jedrzejczyk was left brutally disfigured after taking huge shots to the head from her Zhang over the three-round fight, losing an extremely close split decision.
The pair picked up where they left off in their first fight, traded heavy punches and kicks on the feet. Jedrzejczyk landed a hard low kick that dropped her opponent, but Zhang took over the ground by taking Jedrzejczyk down and landing hard ground and pound.
At the start of the second round, Jedrzejczyk attempted a one-two that missed as Zhang countered with a spinning backfist that landed clean on Jedrzejczyk's chin. Referee Marc Goddard instantly waved off the fight as Jedrzejczyk faceplanted on the canvas.
Jedrzejczyk announced her retirement after the fight, stating: "She surprised me with the backfist, I was trying to do that. The bells are still ringing in my head. I'm retired guys, thank you so much for the support. Dana [White] I am sorry I let you down. I want to give big thanks to all of the UFC employees, without them we couldn't be here."
Zhang had been defeated twice by former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas before her rematch with Jedrzejczyk, whilst the Polish fighter hadn't fought since her first meeting with 'Magnum' and was removed from the UFC rankings due to inactivity.
Also on the main card, Jake Matthews put on a tremendous striking display by knocking out Andre Fialho in the second round. Matthews was competing for the first time in over a year having not fought since his submission loss to Sean Brady at UFC 259.
What were your thoughts on Zhang Weili's knockout of Joanna Jedrzejczyk? Let us know in the comments section below
Jack Della Maddalena picked up his second UFC win by knocking out Ramazan Emeev with a crippling body shot in the first-round. Maddalena won his promotional debut by knockout in January after being signed following his win on the Contender Series. Elsewhere on the prelims, there were big first-round knockout wins for Silvana Gomez Juarez and Hayisaer Maheshate.
