Former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk has broken her silence. Following a brief but heated backstage exchange with former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, a moment captured in a nine-second video clip that surfaced Monday on social media.
The incident allegedly took place backstage at UFC 323 inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. In the clip, Hill can be seen shouting toward Jedrzejczyk as security steps between them.
“If you touch my girl, I’m going to knock you the f*ck out,” Hill yells in the video.
With security restraining her, Jedrzejczyk responds: “Yeah? You will?” The clip ends abruptly, leaving the context unclear. As speculation grew, Jedrzejczyk issued a written statement which she also read in an Instagram video firmly denying any wrongdoing and expressing frustration that her name was pulled into an incident she says was unprovoked.
Jedrzejczyk: “I will always stand up for myself”
In her statement, Joanna Jedrzejczyk defended her character and said she was “embarrassed” to be involved in the situation at all.
“I worked so hard to earn my reputation, and I am embarrassed to be in this situation,” she wrote.
“But when somebody 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.”
Jedrzejczyk emphasized that as a strong, financially secure and high-profile woman, she recognizes that many women confronted with threats or intimidation don’t have the same resources or platform to protect themselves.
“I empathize with the women who are disrespected and threatened, and lack the power and means to stand up for themselves,” she said.
“I expect more from each of us as individuals and as a society, and I certainly expect more from athletes in our sport especially former champions.”
She thanked UFC staff for their handling of the situation and said she considers the matter closed.
“I want to thank the UFC security and staff for their professionalism. … I consider this matter closed, and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!”
Jamahal Hill has not addressed the incident and has not posted on any social media platform since November. The UFC has also not issued a comment, leaving the circumstances surrounding the confrontation unclear.
Hill is currently sidelined due to a major knee surgery. He’s not expected to return to competition until late 2026.
Jedrzejczyk’s Post-Career Role With UFC
Although she retired from MMA in June 2022, Joanna Jedrzejczyk remains highly active as a UFC ambassador. She frequently attends international events, serves in promotional roles, and maintains a strong public presence within the sport.
Her statement suggests she wants to distance herself from the situation quickly, reiterating her focus on professionalism and her broader responsibility as one of MMA’s most influential female athletes.