With UFC Tampa just days away, the main event is up in the air as Joanna Jedrzejczyk has informed the promotion that she’ll be unable to make weight for the bout.
The UFC Tampa Main event has run into a speed bump. Maybe even a wall. As first reported by Brazil’s Combate, former strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk has informed the promotion that she will be unable to make the 116lb non-title limit for this weekend’s fight. However, opponent Michelle Waterson has balked at the idea of a catchweight. Leaving the promotion with few options.
Jedrzejczyk (15-3), who last competed at flyweight, apparently notified UFC officials over a week ago.
Per additional reports from Combate and ESPN, Waterson (17-6) was given the option of either facing Jessica Andrade at UFC 244, or accepting the catchweight. TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, meanwhile, revealed that Angela Hill was being considered to replace Waterson in this Saturday’s main event, should it become necessary. Hill (10-7) fought just a few weeks back, earning a doctor’s stoppage TKO of Ariane Carnelossi at UFC Mexico City.
Paige VanZant later threw her name in the hat to fight Waterson, but not until December 14. There’s also the possibility of the promotion cancelling the strawweight fight altogether, and promoting Cub Swanson vs. Kron Gracie to the main event.
Complicating matters is Waterson’s contender status. She’s been circling the top of the division after compiling a three-fight win streak, including a win over former title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Handing former-champ Jedrzejczyk a weight advantage in a fight with title implications is no doubt a sore spot for ‘The Karate Hottie.’
The UFC has yet to release a statement on the matter. UFC Tampa airs live on ESPN+ (TSN in Canada) this Saturday, October 12.
Update, 2:30 PM ET: ESPN’s Ariel Helwani now reports that Jedrzejczyk has committed to attempting to make weight, within reason.
I’m told Joanna Jędrzejczyk had a good workout this AM and does not want the fight to get canceled. After it was made clear Team Waterson was not interested in a catchweight, JJ has decided to do everything — within reason — to make 116. She‘ll be at open workout later today.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 9, 2019
