Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at former KSW strawweight champion Karolina Kowalkiewicz as she takes on Canada’s Randa Markos at UFC on Fox 17 in Orlando, Florida. Karolina Kowalkiewicz Hometown: Lodz, Poland Age: 30 Height: 5’3” Reach: 65″ Weight Class: Strawweight Camp: Gracie Barra Lodz Career Record: 7-0 Key Wins: Kalindra Faria, Mizuki Inoue Key Losses: None Background The former KSW Strawweight champion fought exclusively in Europe prior to joining Invicta. Her lone win outside of European soil was a split decision win over highly touted youngster Mizuki Inoue at Invicta FC 9 in 2014. Strengths
- Well-rounded fighter
- High output, volume striker who throws well in combination
- Accurate jab
- Does well to mix in leg kicks with her accurate boxing
- Good takedown defense
Weaknesses
- Not the most athletic fighter
- Lacks punching power
- Hittable on the feet
- Big question mark if put on her back
Matchup with Randa Markos Interesting matchup to kick off the Fox main card, Markos is a solid strawweight and one of the better athletes in the division. Kowalkiewicz was perhaps the best strawweight outside of the UFC prior to signing with the organization. I expect most of this fight to take place on the feet. The Polish fighter has a significant advantage there with her excellent combination striking and ability to land to the body. Markos will do well early on and could very well win the first round. Volume will be a significant factor in this fight and expect the Polish fighter to land well as the fight progresses outpointing her opponent to a decision win. If Markos turns this into a wrestling match, she has the ability to win with control in top position, but more than likely volume wins this one and in that case the winner is Kowalkiewicz. UFC Ceiling Karolina Kowalkiewicz is perhaps the second best European strawweight in the world. She’s got an excellent combination striking game and fights at a high pace. She’s rather developed as a fighter and I expect her to be able to compete right away in the UFC and possibly enter the top 10 of the division after Saturday night. Unlike many other fighters entering the organization, I think she’s currently at her ceiling and don’t see her peaking much above her current level. She’s a solid fighter that will be competitive with nearly all in the division, but just a level below the division’s elite. Fight Film Check out Karolina Kowalkiewicz in some of her most recent fights: Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Marzena Wojas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOebfQyJ4eQ