Joanna Jedrzejczyk has released a statement after fellow former UFC champion Jamahal Hill threatened to knock her out after a heated altercation.
On December 6, the UFC held their final championship card of the year as bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili headlined the card in a rematch with former foe Petr Yan.
Despite entering into the fight as an underdog, Yan pulled off a shock win while flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja lost his title due to a freak injury in the co-main event.
But the drama didn't end in the octagon, as videos emerged online of former women's strawweight champion Jedrzejczyk and former men's light heavyweight champion Hill in a heated argument, with Hill threatening to knock her out.
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Now, Jedrzejczyk has finally addressed the situation in a video statement posted to her social media.
In the viral video, that appears to be taken at an official UFC VIP event, security can be seen holding Jedrzejczyk back as she argues with Hill.
Initially it was unclear exactly what had led to the altercation, but rumours online claimed that the former UFC women’s strawweight champion had been aggressive towards Hill’s partner.
Shouting in the video, Hill is heard saying" "Do not touch my girl or I'll knock you the f*** out."
But, in a statement posted on Instagram, Jedrzejczyk has claimed that her name was being used 'falsely' and that she felt the need to defend herself.
“I worked so hard to build my reputation, and I’m embarrassed to be in this situation,” she admitted.
“But when someone 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 empathise with the women who are disrespected and threatened, and lack the power and means to stand up for themselves… I certainly expect more from athletes in our sport – especially former champions,” she continued.
The Polish fighter later thanked UFC staff for their professionalism in handling the matter, which she now considers to be 'closed'.
Meanwhile Hill is yet to comment on the situation.
Ben McCrum