Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s recent resurgence took a hit in Rio.
Following a five-fight losing skid, the former UFC title challenger started anew and strung together four wins in a row at strawweight. Kowalkiewicz, 38, had that momentum going for her in her return at UFC 301 where she’d face the much younger Iasmin Lucindo.
There’s never been a bigger age disparity (16 years) in women’s UFC history but Lucindo quickly closed the experience gap, beating Kowalkiewicz wherever the fight went. The 22 year-old improved to 3-1 in the UFC with a dominant unanimous decision win over Kowalkiewicz in front of the Brazilian fans in Rio de Janeiro.
Brasil con otra victoria🇧🇷 @iasmin_lucindo domina y se lleva la pelea por decisión unánime #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/svH7RGDxAW
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) May 5, 2024
Having snapped her longest win streak in eight years, Poland’s Kowalkiewicz reflects on the bump in the road.
“Hi guys. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your love. I’m okay. I am very, very, very sad, but I’m okay,” Kowalkiewicz said in a video posted to Instagram. “This is part of this sport. It for sure, it wasn’t my day. Big congratulations for Yasmin. She’s amazing person, amazing fighter, and I wish her all the best. And once again, thank you for your support. I’ll be back soon.”
Karolina Kowalkiewicz has faced some tough competition throughout her UFC career, including four world champions, one of which was two-time champ Rose Namajunas in 2016. The win launched Kowalkiewicz into title contention where she challenged and lost to fellow countrywoman Joanna Jedrzejcyzk for the belt at UFC 205.
