Joanna Jedrzejczyk retains UFC straw-weight belt over Claudia Gadelha

Joanna Jedrzejczyk endured early takedowns by challenger Claudia Gadelha, then found her patented fight game and showed why she’s champion.

The Polish Jedrzejczyk rallied by hammering Gadelha with punches in stand-up action for the final three rounds, retaining her belt and remaining unbeaten (12-0) in the UFC straw-weight title bout at MGM Grand.

Judges awarded Jedrzejczyk the unanimous decision by scores of 48-46, 48-45, 48-46.

Gadelha took the first round in the tense rivalry with two takedowns and some damage with punches, pressuring Jedrzejczyk to the cage, hitting her some more.

Jedrzejczyk sought to strike in the middle of the octagon to start the third, but Gadelha took her down, burning time.

Then, things shifted. Jedrzejczyk rose, slammed a tired Gadelha with a right and asserted her striking skills with some right elbows as Gadelha (13-2) gasped and dropped the round.

Jedrzejczyk pounded hurtful punches in the fourth, which remained standing, as Gadelha’s nose showed the damage. Jedrzejczyk punctuated the impressive showing with kicks to the head.

In the fifth, Jedrzejczyk closed the deal with more punishing blows and kicks.

The outcome repeated her victory over top-ranked contender Gadelha when they fought in December 2014 in Phoenix, with Jedrzejczyk winning a decision due to more significant strikes, 38-27, with a knockdown.

Friday’s bout had more action, but the same winner.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com