Sherdog’s Top 10: Female Mixed Martial Artists

4. Joanna Jedrzejczyk

The masses may struggle to say her name, but Jedrzejczyk has enjoyed a historic rise at 115 pounds. She cut a swathe through the European muay Thai circuit before making a name for herself in MMA. Jedrzejczyk won her first six bouts on the regional scene -- Rosi Sexton was among her victims -- and then signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Jedrzejczyk has been all but unbeatable inside the Octagon. Victories over Juliana Lima and Claudia Gadelha led to a title shot against Carla Esparza at UFC 185, where Jedrzejczyk stopped the “Cookie Monster” with second-round punches to claim the UFC women’s strawweight championship. The 28-year-old Pole put a savage beating on Jessica Penne in her first title defense, dismissed the Alliance MMA rep in the third round and then moved on to a one-sided unanimous decision over Valerie Letourneau. That set up a rematch with archrival Gadelha at “The Ultimate Fighter 23” Finale. Jedrzejczyk overcame some early adversity, shined in the championship rounds and retained her title against the Nova Uniao star.

“Joanna Champion” currently sits at 12-0 and appears to have no equal at 115 pounds. As a result, she has risen to the top of many pound-for-pound lists.

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