UFC Tampa Main Event Recap: Jedrzejczyk vs Waterson

UFC Tampa Main Event Recap: Jedrzejczyk vs Waterson

By Matt Wise

Joanna Jedrzejczyk returned to winning ways with a dominant decision victory over Michelle Waterson.

Much of the opening round was spent in the clinch up against the fence, with both fighters looking to gain an advantage via double underhooks. Waterson did well to avoid the lethal striking of Jedrzejczyk the opener, but did return to her stall with a bloodied nose.

The pair displayed their kickboxing repertoire in the second round, which included a vicious front kick from Jedrzejczyk, drawing a rye smile from Waterson.

Jedrzejczyk looked to have found her striking rhythm as the fight entered the third, and her unrelenting pace made it difficult for the Karate Hottie to match. Waterson exploded with a trip up against the fence, followed by a rear naked choke attempt. The crowd were vying for the tap, but Jedrzejczyk stayed calm and escaped danger.

More pressure followed by Jedrzejczyk, who looked in increasing control both in the clinch and in the striking exchanges. The former champion landed a series of hard elbows, but Waterson absorbed them well.

Jedrzejczyk for round five with a severely swollen right foot, but looked unfazed and she continued firing punches and kicks. The Pole upped the ante in the final 20 seconds looking to close the show, but Waterson stood firm, and the buzzer sounded for the final time in Tampa.

The judges scored the bout 50-45, 50-45 and 49-46 in favour Jedrzejczyk, who returned to winning ways in dominant fashion.