Joanne Calderwood: Joanna Jedrzejczyk exposed one-dimensional Carla Esparza
The UFC women's strawweight division has been a part of the promotion for less than year, but already there have been quite a few extraordinary events during that time.
"The Ultimate Fighter" focused an entire season around the 115-pound women's division with a champion being crowned at the end. It took only three months for the title to switch hands when Carla Esparza was dethroned by Polish fighter Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 185 in Dallas.
Undefeated contender Joanne Calderwood has been watching the division very closely not only because it's her weight class but also because since the day she signed with the UFC, her goal has been to become champion.
She faced some frustration after her initial win at "The Ultimate Fighter" finale last December because all Calderwood wanted to do was compete again and at the time UFC matchmakers were discussing a seven-month layoff for the Scottish striker.
"It was kind of a rollercoaster," Calderwood told FOX Sports. "After speaking to Sean Shelby at the UFC in Sweden I was like 'oh man it really doesn't look like I'm going to fight until July' which isn't a bad thing, obviously I like to stay active. So when I found out I was on this card in Poland, everything worked out perfectly so I'm really excited."
The timing is also perfect for Calderwood to face newcomer Maryna Moroz in front of Jedrzejczyk, who will be sitting cage side to watch all the action on Saturday in her native Poland.
Calderwood admits she was very impressed with the new champion's performance because it showed she was a complete mixed martial artist unlike Esparza, who she believes panicked when her takedowns weren't working early in the fight.
"I thought it was really, really great. Every time I think of fighting, I think of fighting the best person and especially if it's for the championship, I'd rather fight someone who is well rounded and a really, really good fighter," Calderwood said.
"I think she exposed Carla for being one-dimensional. After (Carla) couldn't take her down, she didn't have anything to go to and I think that's bad -- especially if you're a champion. You have to be well rounded. If something doesn't go your way, you have to have a back up plan. Obviously being a champion, that's very, very important."
Calderwood may have an opportunity to find out just how good Jedrzejczyk is for her next fight if she can get past Moroz this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Gonzaga vs. Cro Cop 2, airing on UFC Fight Pass. UFC officials haven't made any declarations that a victory could earn her a title shot, but it certainly seems like a logical choice.
Calderwood is undefeated as a professional with the only blemish during her career coming during the season of "The Ultimate Fighter" when losses don't actually count on a record. She would love nothing more than to beat Moroz and then challenge Jedrzejczyk for her next fight, but Calderwood will leave matchmaking duties up to the UFC.
"A lot of people are saying that and a lot of people are thinking that, but that's not my job," Calderwood said. "My job is to fight whoever the UFC decides they want me to fight. I can't say I'm going to fight her for my next fight. That's not my job. I don't know anything. I've not heard anything.
"I've got a fight on Saturday night and that's my only job, but the UFC is always one step ahead so I'm sure they know."
If Calderwood gets past Moroz this weekend, the only date that she has locked in her mind for her next fight is July 18 when the UFC arrives in her home country of Scotland for the first time ever. While her dream would be to compete for the UFC women's strawweight title in her home country, Calderwood promises no matter what she will be fighting in Scotland.
"There is no way, over my dead body that I will not be on that card," Calderwood said. "I'll demand that it happens and that everyone campaigns. They can't come to my hometown and make me sit in the crowd."
