joanna wood

Joanne Wood: The Scottish Fighter in the UFC Flyweight Division

Joanne "JoJo" Wood, formerly known as Joanne Calderwood, is an accomplished mixed martial artist (MMA) from Scotland, born on 23 December 1986 in Irvine, Ayrshire. She competes in the UFC flyweight division and is known for her technical Muay Thai striking and her fighting spirit. As one of the first Scottish female UFC fighters, Joanne Wood has played a major role in the growth of women's MMA.

Early Life and Career

Joanne Wood began her combat sports career as a kickboxer and Muay Thai specialist. She built an impressive record in Muay Thai and won multiple world titles before transitioning to MMA. Wood was known for her precision and power in stand-up combat, and these skills allowed her to have a strong start in her MMA career.

Wood made her MMA debut in 2012, fighting in promotions such as Invicta FC before joining the UFC. While in Invicta FC, she stood out with her strong striking and determination, eventually earning her a contract with the UFC.

UFC Career

Joanne Wood made her UFC debut in 2014 as part of The Ultimate Fighter season 20, which focused on the introduction of the UFC strawweight division. Although she did not reach the semifinals, she impressed with her strong performances on the show and in her subsequent UFC fights.

In 2018, Wood moved up to the UFC flyweight division, where she found more success due to her natural size and strength in the weight class. Wood scored wins over fighters such as Ariane Lipski, Andrea Lee and Jessica Eye, which solidified her place at the top of the division.

Her disciplined and technical Muay Thai striking always makes her a dangerous challenger in the standing fight, and she has regularly competed in major fights in the division.

Style and Technique

Joanne Wood is best known for her technical Muay Thai skills. Her stand-up game is sharp and well-structured, and she makes effective use of elbows, knees, and powerful kicks. Wood excels at controlling distance and applying precision to her strikes. Her clinch game is also particularly strong, allowing her to land knees and control against the cage.

While her grappling and takedown defense have been a weakness in the past, Wood has worked hard to improve these aspects of her game. Her groundwork is now competitive, and she has proven that she can hold her own against strong grapplers.

Future Ambitions

Joanne Wood remains focused on her goal of breaking through to the top of the flyweight division and earning a shot at the UFC flyweight title. She is determined to continue to refine her skills and continue her career as one of the most respected fighters in the division.

Conclusion

Joanne Wood is one of the most experienced and technical fighters in the UFC flyweight division. Her strong Muay Thai striking and fighting spirit have earned her a respected place in the sport. As she continues to work her way up, Wood remains a constant threat to the division’s elite and a pioneer for Scottish fighters in MMA.