UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk plans to pack stronger punch than ever in Claudia Gadelha rematch

Joanna Jedrzejczyk can bridge the void of Ronda Rousey’s absence by continuing her dominance as UFC straw-weight champion Friday when she meets Claudia Gadelha in a rematch built up by their participation as opposing coaches in the reality TV series “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Jedrzejczyk (11-0), native of Poland, dealt Brazil’s Gadelha (11-1) her only loss in 2014 by split decision when Jedrzejczyk beat Gadelha, 38-27, in significant strikes with one knockdown.

The intensity of the rivalry has predictably increased during the series, which will be capped by their Friday night bout at the Cosmpolitan in Las Vegas.

And during her public workout Tuesday at the MGM Grand, Jedrzejczyk pointed to her ripped abdominal muscles as proof of how committed she is to extending her unbeaten UFC run.

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“I challenge myself every day.… Do I look good?” she asked reporters.

“I know that she wants to take my belt, my life, my dreams, my goals away from me. I cannot let her do this.”

After Rousey lost her women’s bantamweight title to Holly Holm in November and Holm then lost it to Miesha Tate – who’ll defend the belt Saturday at UFC 200 against Amanda Nunes – Jedrzejczyk has shined with her relentless striking, which she showcased a against a male workout partner Tuesday.

Before Rousey’s loss, Jedrzejczyk broke down challenger Valerie Letourneau with her stand-up punching, beating her 220-103 in significant strikes to win a unanimous decision.

Venice’s Rousey, who hasn’t fought since, is now in the early stage of a six-week knee surgery recovery therapy training session and said to be 50-50 to appear on the UFC’s debut New York card in November.

Jedrzejczyk said her November rounds of experience and her recent training have built confidence that her title run will continue, although she also expressed interest that the UFC will form a new women’s 125-pound flyweight division.

The 28-year-old said she’s coming off “a perfect camp – I feel stronger,” she said.

“The first fight was close … I have more experience. I’ll be stronger.”

After the “TUF” taping, Gadelha apparently tried to land a kick on Jedrzejczyk in a run-in, but the champion scoffed at its importance.

“Oh, come on,” Jedrzejczyk said. “I used to train with tough kickers. She didn’t kick me. She was trying to kick me. It’s all over. It’s all about the fight on Friday.”

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