Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Fighter Facts

• Pro since 2012
   
• Two wins by submission (Armbar, RNC), one by KO
   
• Three first round finishes

UFC History 
UFC Fight Night (6/4/22) Kowalkiewicz submitted Felice Herrig via rear naked choke at 4:01 of the second round 
UFC 265 (8/7/21) Kowalkiewicz was submitted by Jessica Penne via armbar at 4:32 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (2/23/20) Kowalkiewicz lost a three round unanimous decision to Yan Xiaonan
UFC 238 (6/8/19) Kowalkiewicz lost a three round unanimous decision to Alexa Grasso
UFC on ESPN (3/30/19) Kowalkiewicz lost a three round unanimous decision to Michelle Waterson
UFC 228 (9/8/18) Kowalkiewicz was knocked out by Jessica Andrade at 1:58 of the first round
UFC 223 (4/7/18) Kowalkiewicz won a three round split decision over Felice Herrig
UFC Fight Night (10/21/17) Kowalkiewicz won a three round unanimous decision over Jodie Esquibel
UFC 212 (6/3/17) Kowalkiewicz was submitted by Claudia Gadelha via rear naked choke at 3:03 of the first round
UFC 205 (11/12/16) Kowalkiewicz lost a five round unanimous decision to Joanna Jedrzejczyk in a fight for the UFC women’s strawweight title.
UFC 201 (7/30/16) Kowalkiewicz won a three round split decision over Rose Namajunas
UFC Fight Night (5/8/16) Kowalkiewicz won a three round unanimous decision over Heather Jo Clark
UFC on FOX (12/19/15) Kowalkiewicz won a three round unanimous decision over Randa Markos

Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? When I was 16 I wanted to know how to protect myself, so I started training Krav Maga. From the start, I knew it is what I want to do in my life. After a few years I became a Krav Maga instructor myself. But I wanted to develop, so I started to study about martial arts and found out that the most versatile is MMA. I fell in love with that sport.
What ranks and titles have you held? The biggest success was of course being KSW champion, but I know that the biggest achievements are still ahead of me.
Do you have any heroes? My biggest idol is Martyna Wojciechowska, a very famous Polish traveler and journalist. In MMA, the first fighter that got me inspired was Cristiane Cyborg, then there were Gina Carano and finally, the amazing Ronda Rousey. I know those ladies may not like each other, but I admire and respect all of them a lot.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? When my first pro fight happened, there was no single female fighting for the UFC, so I didn't think I would be a part of the UFC in the future. When I first heard that the UFC will introduce the strawweight division, I knew I had to be a part of it. Finally, I am here but I know it is just the beginning. I know I have to put in a lot of hard work to prove myself. I cannot fully describe in words how happy I am.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I tried three times but never finished. At first, it was journalism that I studied for one year. Later, I spent a year and a half studying archeology, and finally, it was a half year of studying sports pedagogy. In fact, I was looking for a right way in my life and I found it in MMA.
What was your job before you started fighting? My last job was Krav Maga instructor in United Krav Maga.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I do not have many amateur starts in my record. Just five Muay Thai fights and three MMA bouts. My biggest success as an amateur was definitely winning the Polish Cup in Muay Thai.
Favorite Striking technique: I do not have favorite techniques. In MMA, every technique must be your favorite. And if you do not like some technique, you have to repeat it constantly until you like it.