Undefeated striking sensation Joanna Jędrzejczyk made history tonight by becoming the UFC’s first Polish champion at UFC 185: “Pettis vs dos Anjos” in Dallas, Texas. Jędrzejczyk battered and ultimately stopped Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza to claim the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship.

In addition to capturing UFC title gold, Jędrzejczyk also ascended to the number one spot in the 115-pound women’s division with her dominant win in the UFC 185 co-main event. Elsewhere on the card, Germaine “The Iron Lady” de Randamie picked up a key victory over Larissa Moreira Pacheco.

Jędrzejczyk (9-0-0) was in complete control of tonight’s title fight with Esparza (10-3-0), who shot in for takedowns early and often but encountered little success. Jędrzejczyk stuffed Esparza’s first takedown attempt in round one, but the standout wrestler managed to briefly take her down on her second try. Jędrzejczyk immediately stood back up and she landed a hard right hook that backed Esparza up.

As the opening round progressed, Jędrzejczyk stuffed takedown after takedown and she repeatedly snapped Esparza’s head back with jabs and right hands. Esparza had no answer for Jędrzejczyk’s strikes on the feet and desperately dove at the Polish fighter’s legs in hopes of taking the fight back down to the mat, but Jędrzejczyk thwarted her each time.

In round two, Jędrzejczyk opened the action with a three-punch flurry and she sprawled out of another takedown attempt. Esparza slowed down and Jędrzejczyk took advantage by landing power punches in succession. She punished Esparza with knees and elbows in the clinch and hurt her with a one-two. Esparza retreated to the cage and Jędrzejczyk teed off with a final barrage of punches until a dazed Esparza collapsed and the fight was stopped.

Now 3-0 in the UFC, Jędrzejczyk has racked up back-to-back wins over top-three opponents. She becomes the second woman to hold the 115-pound title and the first Polish champion in UFC history.

Winner: Joanna Jędrzejczyk by TKO (Punches) at 4:17 of round two. She improves to 9-0-0 and becomes the new UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion.

Opening up the action on tonight’s card, multi-time Muay Thai world champion de Randamie (5-3-0) showcased her elite striking in a commanding TKO victory over Jungle Fight champ Pacheco (10-2-0), who remains winless in her brief UFC career.

De Randamie dominated round one with jabs, right hooks and uppercuts that caused Pacheco’s face to redden and swell up. Pacheco was defensive throughout the round and de Randamie landed a huge flurry before the bell. She continued to assault Pacheco with kicks and punches in round two and Pacheco was rocked by a series of hooks to the temples. She backed up against the cage and de Randamie threw more punches until the one-sided fight was waved off.

Competing for the first time in 16 months tonight, de Randamie put on arguably the best performance of her mixed martial arts career. The Dutch standout remains one of the most talented and decorated female strikers in the sport today.

Winner: Germaine de Randamie by TKO (Punches) at 2:02 of round two. She improves to 5-3-0.

(Photo Credit: UFC)