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.