Co-headlining UFC 201 was a strawweight bout between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Rose Namajunas, that was pegged as a bout to determine the next challenger to the belt. Kowalkiewicz used a superior clinch game to win the last two rounds and pull off an upset and remain undefeated.
The victory likely sets him up for an all-Poland match up with champion Joanna Jedzejczyk.
Watch highlights of the clip above, along with a snippet of the play-by-play below:
R3: Kowalkiewicz trudges into the clinch fearlessly to land another duplex of knees to the body. Namajunas dodges the next flurry of knees and lands an overhand right. Light outside low kick lands for Namajunas. Namajunas lands a short right but she can't get the takedown. Kowalkiewicz barges forward with heavy punches and lands a few knees to the body, then bowls Namajunas over with two more right hands.
Kowalkiewicz lands in the full guard of Namajunas, who angles for an armbar. Kowalkiewicz postures up to avoid it, then fends off Namajunas' transition into a leg lock. Slap elbows to the thighs and body from Kowalkiewicz on top. Namajunas slings a leg over for a triangle attempt, then tries to flow into an omoplata but it's all defended by Kowalkiewicz, who pelts Namajunas with short shots. They trade punches in the final seconds before the horn sounds. 10-9 Kowalkiewicz. I have it 29-28 Kowalkiewicz.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz defeats Rose Namajunas by split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
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