Joanna Jedrzejczyk knew retirement was a possibility heading into UFC 275. The former strawweight champion returned to action on the event’s main card on Sunday morning in Singapore, taking on China’s Zhang Weili. It was her first fight since March of 2020, when she lost a decision to Zhang in one of the best fights of all time. “I had [retirement] in the back of my head,” the 34-year-old Polish star admitted at the event’s post-fight press conference. “I’ve been in this business 19 years.” When Jedrzejczyk suffered a brutal second-round knockout against her Chinese rival – the product of a spinning back-fist – she knew it was time to call it a career. “I saw [myself] getting closer to the mat,” she said, recounting the moment she crashed into the canvas. “I really heard a buzz ringing in my head. “I knew I was KO’d, and I was like, ‘OK, it’s all over, don’t hurry [to your feet] because you’re going to fall’,” she added. “I knew it was over. She got me good.” Jedrzejczyk (16-5) made no excuses for her loss to Zhang (22-3), likely due in part to the fact that she no longer has to worry about where she will land in the strawweight pecking order. In fact, she was quite complimentary of her Chinese rival. “She was really, really strong,” Jedrzejczyk said. “More strong than our first fight. She really surprised me with her strength. We know she’s a striker, but she was very strong on the ground.” UFC 275: Zhang calls for October title fight with Esparza In victory, the 32-year-old Zhang is expected to get the next crack at reigning UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza. Jedrzejczyk believes her rival will reclaim the title in emphatic fashion. “First round for Weili Zhang,” she said, offering up a prediction for the fight. One way or the other, Jedrzejczyk will now watch the division she once ruled move on without her. That does not seem to bother the Polish star, who is content with the competitive legacy she leaves behind. “I was born to be the UFC champion and I was,” she said. “It’s time for the second generation. “I always want to be remembered as one of the greatest, and I will.” Jedrzejczyk’s legacy in the sport is not imagined. The Polish striker, who recorded five title defences between 2015 and 2017, is widely considered the best fighter in strawweight history, and one of the most important figures in the evolution of women’s MMA. Even Zhang, who stands out as the chief rival of Jedrzejczyk’s career, appreciates the former champ’s contributions. A reception for a Queen! Fans wait behind to say goodbye to @JoannaMMA after #UFC275 ! pic.twitter.com/QuP0dVqXGu — UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 12, 2022 “Before I became a UFC fighter, Joanna was the champion so she’s like a role model,” Zhang told reporters after UFC 275. “I wanted to chase her every day.” While Jedrzejczyk’s fighting days are ostensibly over, it does not sound like we’ve seen the last of her. The former champion, who received plenty of love from the Singaporean fans post-fight, intends to stay involved in the sport, and attend some of the UFC’s upcoming shows. “I plan to go to International Fight Week, then to London and Paris,” she said. “It’s time to fully enjoy my life.”