Joanna Jedrzejczyk (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

After Valerie Letourneau pushed Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 193, and surprised some in doing so, Frank Mir outlined why he believes the champ is a tier above the contender.

Heading into Saturday’s card, Jedrzejczyk was a massive favorite to defeat Letourneau, and continue her reign as strawweight champion. Prior to the bout, Letourneau said she wasn’t afraid to trade with Jedrzejczyk, despite her well documented striking abilities. The strawweight made good on her word Saturday night.

During the five round fight, Letourneau managed to land more than a few hard shots, but Jedrzejczyk out struck the challenger and earned the UD win. After the card, Frank Mir had this to say about the bout during FOX Sport 1’s post-fight show (quote via FOX Sports 1 press release):

“Valerie earned Joanna’s respect with her right hand. But we saw the difference between a great fighter and a champion. The champ came out and made adjustments. She was much more calculated with the straight jab and strategic with the leg kicks. Valerie had a great plan, but when champ made adjustments, Valerie didn’t. She should have added something to what she was doing. Joanna started to pull away and had a definitive victory.”

Jedrzejczyk extended her UFC record to 5-0 with the win, and her overall record to 11-0. Letourneau, meanwhile, had a four fight winning streak snapped and her record fell to 8-4.

UFC 193 took place in Melbourne, Australia.