The main event of UFC Gdansk was a one-sided affair as Karolina Kowalkiewicz totally dominated Jodie Esquibel for 15 minutes.
The exchanges started right out of the gate in the UFC Gdansk co-main event as Karolina Kowalkiewicz pushed forward early. Esquibel countered with rangy kicks to keep the Pole off of her. Esquibel’s punches seemed to come up just short early on, and Kowalkiewicz began to adjust to the kicks, catching one and landing a combination.
Kowalkiewicz began pushing forward with combinations some more. Esquibel caught a kick from her opponent and landed an overhand. Kowalkiewicz caught one from Esquibel and landed a leg kick. Esquibel landed a few solid punches but Kowalkiewicz never let up, pushing forward until the end of the first round.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz caught Esquibel in a plum clinch and landed several knees to the head to kick off the second round. The combinations seemed to land at a higher rate early on in the second stanza. Kowalkiewicz swarmed Esquibel with another set of knees then a big combination that sent her opponent to the fence.
Kowalkiewicz began to put together her strikes, smoothly flowing between knees and punches. A head kick sparked another big combination from Kowalkiewicz. The home favorite caught a kick, landed a takedown, took the back of her opponent, then went for an armbar in quick succession. The round came to a close and it was the finest of Kowalkiewicz’s UFC career.
Kowalkiewicz started round three staying just out of the range of Esquibel. The Polish contender strung together another combination marked by a big knee. The combinations kept coming from Karolina and Esquibel had no answer.
Esquibel tried to answer with a clinch but that only opened up more striking opportunities for Kowalkiewicz. The round came to a close shortly after and a great performance from the former top contender ended as well.
Kowalkiewicz was overcome with emotion during her post-fight interview. This was her first opportunity to fight in her home country in her UFC career.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Jodie Esquibel by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
