Midnight Mania! ‘Zombie’ Jedrzejczyk Was Concerned Hematoma Would Pop

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

There were many questions leading up to Weili Zhang’s first title defense opposite Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Was the Chinese athlete the real deal? Her initial ascent to the crown was so quick she could be argued as unproven. Jedrzejcyzk faced the opposite issue: did the former champion still have what it takes to compete at the highest level? Were those days long gone?

Fortunately, both women proved any doubters wrong, putting on one of the best fights in UFC history (HIGHLIGHTS). Zhang remained champion, having won a close-split decision, but Jedrzejczyk could hold her head high after an incredibly strong performance.

Her success came at a cost, however. Jedrzejczyk’s head swelled with a massive hematoma, one that left her temporarily blind in one eye for several days. Speaking with BBC sport, Jedrzejczyk reflected on the damage, “I was like ‘holy moly.’ I looked like a zombie. One day I’ll post pictures of how I looked,” she said. “It was so funny; some people didn’t even recognize me.”

Jedrzejczyk’s swelling and bruising were gone within a couple weeks, but their was initial concern that the hematoma would pop. “It could’ve scarred half my face,” said Jedrzejczyk. “It was so painful. For a split-second, I questioned if I should stop, but I was still going forward. I knew I’d heal. I was more mad at myself because I wanted to have a few nice days in Vegas with my friends and family! But this is the price we pay. I’ve been doing this for 17 years so I know the game.

“I love to challenge myself. MMA’s violent, but it’s not just about smashing people. For me, it’s about the sport, the competition, the respect.”

Despite the damage done, Jedrzejczyk is pursuing a rematch with Zhang, provided it comes with some “big money”. Neither woman is booked at the moment, so a rematch remains on the table at least until the next contender is named.

Insomnia

Remember those two title fights between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard? Remember how they effectively ended Maynard’s status as an elite fighter (10-0 (1) previous vs. 3-6 afterward)? Apparently, they weren’t super profitable.

Speaking of tensions between UFC and its independent contractors …

Tony Ferguson hasn’t lost his funk #CSO!

Mike Perry has found his own solution to the fighter finance problem: force your girlfriend to hold mitts and cut out any pesky training fees. “Platinum” the innovator!

Michael Chandler’s write-up matches my own experiences: medball throws/slams are an excellent builder of explosive power.

An effective and fun drill to improve defense and reactions:

Slips, rips, and KO clips

The other Anderson Silva scores with a brutal right hand counter:

Boxing returned tonight! Here’s a tight right hand to the temple.

… and a clean Southpaw uppercut from a two-time Olympic gold medalist!

Random Land

This is nearly impossible without zooming in.

Midnight Music: Tonight, I checked out The New Abnormal, the latest LP from New York indie rock legends The Strokes. They’ve got something of a bad reputation for falling off after their debut classic Is This It, but I quite enjoyed their latest collection of catchy tracks.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.