Undefeated Polish strawweight Karolina Kowalkiewicz is ready to test the waters of the UFC. The former KSW champion and one-time Invicta fighter will jump right into the mix with a debut against Randa Markos, who is the No. 8 ranked fighter in the division. Kowalkiewicz has earned a fair amount of recognition in Europe, climbing into the top-10 world rankings on major MMA media outlets.
UFC on FOX 17 odds at BookMaker.eu
Randa Markos
Karolina Kowalkiewicz
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ODDS ANALYSIS
It’s tough to really peg how good Kowalkiewicz can be, since she’s been mostly fighting against unknown Euros on the regional KSW promotion. The over is far more expensive, as neither woman is considered an elite finisher. If the lines move at all, I’d expect it to shift in Markos’ favor, as she brings some name value to the table as a TUF 20 runner-up.
THE STAKES
For Kowalkiewicz, beating a respected fighter liker Markos as an undefeated import could vault her right into the contender picture in a thin strawweight division. Markos can also raise her stock by handing one of the best international prospects her first loss. A high-profile fight looms for the winner.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
The 30-year old Kowalkiewicz is a great addition to the UFC strawweight division, bolstering its depth as a quality fighter. She is relatively well-rounded in all aspects of the game, although she is not as explosive as elite fighters such as Joanna Jedrzejczyk or Claudia Gadelha.
The Polish fighter is trains with Gracie Barra Lods, and has the quality submission game you’d expect from anyone that trains with those camps. Her striking is relatively meat-and-potatoes, but she has shown an ability do some serious damage in the clinch with her knees. She seems to especially flavor the Thai plum, and has a decent assortment of trips from in close.
Markos is big, strong and athletic for the division, and she uses her physical tools to impose her wrestling game. The Iraqi-Canadian loves the blast double-legs, but is powerful enough to drag fights down in the clinch. She’s especially good in scrambles and usually always ends up on top. From there, she scores points with control and effective ground and pound.
Where Markos needs a lot of work is in her standup. She’s got plenty of power in her right hand, but is unable to throw it as part of efficient combinations. Her deficiency makes her a bit one-dimensional, but if she can improve her technique and footwork - and that’s a big if - she has the all physical tools needed to become a contender.
THE SMART PLAYS
While Kowalkiewicz is not a world-class striker by any means, she’s still better in that regard than her opponent. Markos is well aware of this and will look to clinch and take this fight to the ground at every opportunity. It’s this aggression that should carry her to victory - I simply don’t think the UFC newcomer has the physicality or athleticism to fend off Markos for the better part of three rounds. Expect plenty of takedowns and subsequent scrambles en route a decision for Markos.
PREDICTION: Randa Markos to win by unanimous decision
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. UFC on FOX 17 takes place Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The main card will be televised on FOX starting 8 pm. ET following the FOX Sports 1 prelims starting at 5 p.m. ET.
