MMA Preview – Rose Namajunas vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 223
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 223? Sunday 8th April, 2018 – 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 223? Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
What channel is UFC 223 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 223? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 223? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
One of the biggest rematches in women’s MMA history is aptly slotted on to the stacked card in Brooklyn, New York for UFC 223. Joanna Jedrzejczyk is desperate to avenge her sole career loss and shock defeat to Rose Namajunas.
They met back in November 2017 and like all of Jedrzejczyk’s fights, she went in as the favourite, expected to defuse any grappling, dictate the fight on the feet and pick Namajunas apart with her elite striking.
However, Namajunas had other ideas – floating through the pre-fight build up with an ice-cold demeanour. Undeterred by Jedrzejczyk’s usual antics, she went on to knock her out in the first round. This wasn’t a lucky punch either; she stunned the ex-champ early and went on to finish with a beautifully composed left hook and follow-up strikes.
THE PREDICTION
The key factor going into this bout has got to be the result of their last fight. Jedrzejczyk is in completely foreign territory – and on the back of her first knockout and loss, she is taking on someone with the confidence of beating her at her own game.
The new champ is also at that stage of a career where she evolves from every fight into a better, more well-rounded fighter and she could easily show off new skills to surprise again. That said, Jedrzejczyk has all the credentials to outclass any fighter in the division and with a new appetite to prove herself, she is expected to return to the cage better than ever.
This all raises the skill levels and anticipation for this rematch. Jedrzejczyk cannot afford to be complacent with the striking of Namajunas but too much respect will make her susceptible to the takedown which will be hostile territory.
A confident Namajunas could easily affirm her status as the new queen of the division as long as she evolves further. In her own words; “you can’t paint the Mona Lisa twice”, so she along with Greg Jackson will need to prepare more tools for Jedrzejcyk. But with a galvanized motivation to prove her ‘champion’ identity, we could see a masterclass in counter-striking to edge past ‘Thug’ Rose and even set up a rubber match.
Winner: Jedrzejczyk via Decision
