UFC Hall of Famer Joanna Jedrzejczyk has finally spoken out after a viral video showed her in a tense altercation with former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 323.
The clip, which circulated heavily over the weekend, captured Hill yelling at Jedrzejczyk, saying, “I’ll knock you the fck out … if you touch my girl I’m going to knock you the fck out.”
Jedrzejczyk didn’t back down. She fired back immediately with, “Yeah, you will?” Hill responded with a firm, “Period,” right before security stepped in to separate both fighters.
With the moment exploding online, Jedrzejczyk took to Instagram to address the situation, without mentioning Hill’s name directly.
“I worked so hard to earn my reputation, and I am embarrassed to be in this situation,” Jedrzejczyk wrote. “But when somebody uses my name, falsely, without any basis in truth, I will always stand up for myself, and for that I do not deserve to be threatened.”
“I am mindful that I am a strong, capable woman who has the benefit of a lifetime of self-defense training. I have a platform, and resources, that most women don’t have. So I empathize with the women who are disrespected and threatened, and lack the power and means to stand up for themselves. And to stand up for the truth. I expect more from each of us as individuals and as a society, and I certainly expect more from athletes in our sport, especially former champions.”
Jedrzejczyk ended her message by thanking the promotion.
“I want to thank the UFC security and staff for their professionalism. I consider this matter closed, and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!”
Hill has not responded publicly, and attempts to reach his camp went unanswered. The UFC also hasn’t offered an official statement on the situation.
Jedrzejczyk, one of the most decorated champions in UFC history and a constant presence at major events, rarely finds herself in moments like this. Hill, also a frequent attendee, hasn’t fought since his loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Baku, and it remains unclear what triggered the heated exchange.
What is clear is that Jedrzejczyk handled the backlash with the same poise and toughness that made her one of the greatest ever to compete.
