JOJO’S LAST PITCH
Quiet Scot note perfect as she hangs up gloves
JOANNE WOOD quietly called time on her MMA career at UFC 299, which proved a fitting and “Pitch Perfect” exit for the softly-spoken Scot.
Having made her company debut nearly 10 years ago, ‘JoJo’ hung up her gloves having left everything in the octagon, ensuring she went out with her head held high and her hand raised in victory.
After a split-decision win over Maryna Moroz, Wood, who ended her career 9-8 in the UFC and 17-8 overall, tackled the most terrifying part of her job one final time – public speaking.
When asked how she would liked to be remembered, the 38-year-old – coincidently the first fighter I ever interviewed – said: “As a Scottish lass who never gave up. My motto was just, ‘Never give up and you don’t have to be loud to be heard.’ It was funny, the first time I met (UFC president) Dana White he said, ‘Oh, I have heard about you. You are like that girl from the movie Pitch Perfect.’
“And I was like, ‘What! Fat Amy?’ And he was, ‘No, (Lilly) the really quiet one who sort of mumbles and says absurd things’.
“I guess this part (talking to the media and on the mic), I have really struggled with and it has nothing to do with you guys (the press).
“I just don’t like talking about myself and talking in general. I am from Scotland – I am not very good at it!”
Hailing from Irvine, Wood, who started her career as Calderwood, has travelled the world in pursuit of her MMA dream, standing out as a UK fighter on UFC cards when that was a rarity rather than the norm.
Having married her coach John Wood in 2021, the Scot now calls Las Vegas home and is keen to pass on her experience at her husband’s Syndicate MMA gym in Sin City.
She added: “A lot of people were saying, ‘Why are you retiring, don’t say that?.’ But I am retiring on a good note. Even before this win I was sure.
“I am good for money and I have worked my a*** off for this moment, to walk away on a good note, and I am healthy, happy and content.
“And I am still going to be involved
in MMA. Luckily I married a head coach who has a gym, so that’s my retirement. I am going to take over the gym!
“No, I am going to help him with the team, the gym.
“I left Scotland around seven years ago and have been all around the world. It is crazy for the sport to bring me to Las Vegas. I love it, especially the weather.”