Karolina Kowalkiewicz, the former KSW strawweight champion, is set to take on Iasmin Lucindo in the prelims of UFC 301 this weekend. The Polish star will be looking to extend her winning streak to five in a row, as she steps into enemy territory to face Lucindo. However, there is another interesting story about Kowalkiewicz that many may not know about. Unbeknownst to her, the nickname ‘The Polish Princess’ holds a special meaning and significance for the UFC strawweight.
Kowalkiewicz was born on October 15, 1985, in Lodz, Poland. She began her martial arts journey at the age of 16, when she started training in Muay Thai. She quickly fell in love with the sport and went on to become a multiple-time Polish Muay Thai champion. In 2012, she made her professional MMA debut and went on to become the KSW strawweight champion in just her third fight.
With her impressive skills and fighting spirit, Kowalkiewicz caught the attention of the UFC and made her debut in 2015. She quickly made a name for herself in the promotion, with her technical striking and relentless pace inside the octagon. However, it was not just her fighting skills that caught the eye of the fans and media, but also her nickname – ‘The Polish Princess’.
Many may assume that the nickname was given to Kowalkiewicz due to her nationality and her fighting style. However, the story behind it is much more personal and meaningful. The nickname was actually given to her by her late father, who sadly passed away in 2018.
Kowalkiewicz’s father was a huge supporter of her fighting career and was always by her side, cheering her on. He was the one who first called her ‘The Polish Princess’ and it stuck with her ever since. In an interview, Kowalkiewicz revealed that her father used to say, “You are my princess, and you are representing Poland in the world.” This nickname holds a special place in her heart and serves as a constant reminder of her father’s love and support.
Apart from her father, Kowalkiewicz’s mother has also played a significant role in her career. She has been her biggest supporter and has always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. In fact, it was her mother who first took her to a Muay Thai gym and sparked her interest in martial arts. Kowalkiewicz’s parents have been her pillars of strength and have instilled in her the values of hard work, determination, and never giving up.
Kowalkiewicz’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of impressive. She has faced some of the toughest opponents in the strawweight division and has always put on a show for the fans. Her most notable win came against Rose Namajunas in 2016, where she handed the former champion her first professional loss. Kowalkiewicz’s striking skills and relentless pressure proved to be too much for Namajunas, as she secured a unanimous decision victory.
Despite facing some setbacks in her career, Kowalkiewicz has always bounced back stronger. She has shown tremendous resilience and determination, which has earned her the respect and admiration of fans and fellow fighters alike. Her positive attitude and never-say-die spirit make her a true role model for aspiring fighters.
As Kowalkiewicz prepares to face Lucindo in the prelims of UFC 301, she will once again carry the nickname ‘The Polish Princess’ with her. It serves as a constant reminder of her roots, her family, and the country she represents. With her father watching over her from above, Kowalkiewicz will undoubtedly give her all inside the octagon and continue to make her country proud.
In conclusion, Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s nickname ‘The Polish Princess’ holds a special meaning and significance for the UFC strawweight. It is a tribute to her late father and a reminder of her roots and the values instilled in her by her parents. As she continues to make her mark in the UFC, Kowalkiewicz will always be known as the ‘Polish Princess’ – a true warrior inside and outside the octagon.
