Karolina Kowalkiewicz Earns Decision Win In UFC Debut Against Randa Markos
The main card of UFC on FOX 17 featured two strawweights in search of an impressive showing. Randa Markos (5-3) looked to win her second straight bout when she stepped inside the Octagon with Karolina Kowalkiewicz (8-0).
At the end of the night, Kowalkiewicz earned the win in her Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut.
Markos missed an overhand in the opening frame. Kowalkiewicz hit her opponent in the jaw with a short right hand. The two battled for a clinch position, but they separated. “Quiet Storm” pushed the Polish strawweight to the fence. Kowalkiewicz broke free, but was popped with a right hand counter. Markos pressured her opponent with leg kicks. She rushed in and was caught with a right hand as the round came to a close.
Round two began and Kowalkiewicz landed some kicks to the leg and body of Markos. A right hand found the mark for Kowalkiewicz. “Quiet Storm” ducked under and tripped her opponent, who was pushed towards the cage. Markos dragged the Polish fighter down to back mount. Markos secured a body triangle with her opponent standing. The Tristar Gym standout dragged Kowalkiewicz back down to back mount. Her opponent ended up in top control just seconds before the horn sounded.
The final round was underway and Kowalkiewicz came out swinging. Some swelling formed under the right eye of Markos. The Polish fighter landed jabs and kicks. A solid kick to the body connected for Kowalkiewicz. Markos looks to grab a hold of her opponent, but couldn’t do so.
A spinning backfist found the home for Kowalkiewicz, but Markos pressured her against the fence. She broke free and had her high kick blocked. “Quiet Storm” got a takedown, but her opponent scrambled and wound up on top. Kowalkiewicz achieved full mount and landed some punches and elbows. Markos popped up, but took a knee to the body and the final horn sounded.
All three judges gave the Polish bruiser the nod.
Final Result: Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Randa Markos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
