Karolina Kowalkiewicz Takes Split Decision Against ‘Thug’ Rose
The co-main event of UFC 201 had title implications in the strawweight division. The two women who looked to stake a claim for the next shot at the 115-pound title were Rose Namajunas (5-3) and Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-0).
The dominating clinch game of Kowalkiewicz led her to a split decision win over “Thug.
A leg kick found the target early for Namajunas and Kowalkiewicz answered with one of her own. A counter right hand off a leg kick landed for Namajunas. A left hand connected for “Thug.” A counter punch caught Kowalkiewicz off balance momentarily. The Polish fighter landed some knees to the body of Namajunas. The round ended with Namajunas in top control.
Kowalkiewicz landed some knees to the body and elbows in the clinch early in the second stanza. “Thug” had her opponent pressed against the fence, but ate some elbows and knees. Namajunas used a standing arm triangle to try to get the back of her opponent. On the break, Kowalkiewicz landed an elbow. A one-two combination connected for Namajunas. A front kick had Kowalkiewicz off balanced. “Thug” followed up with a right hand over the top. Kowalkiewicz landed a right hand of her own and then some knees and elbows in the clinch.
A spinning back kick was thrown by Kowalkiewicz at the start of the final frame. Some more knees in the clinch connected for the Polish bruiser. Namajunas landed a right hand to avoid another knee in the clinch. A right hand followed by a left found the mark for “Thug.” Kowalkiewicz was relentless with knees to the body and a punch as Namajunas went for a takedown. Namajunas went for an armbar off her back, but it was thwarted. Two upkicks connected for Namajunas. Despite being active off her back, “Thug’s” efforts were always answered by her opponent until the final horn sounded.
One judge gave the fight to Namajunas, but was overruled by the other two judges, who gave the nod to Kowalkiewicz. With the win, Kowalkiewicz is in prime position to challenge for the strawweight title held by Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
Final Result: Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Rose Namajunas via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
