Karolina Kowalkiewicz is a renowned Polish mixed martial artist who has made a significant impact in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Known for her tenacious fighting style and resilience, Kowalkiewicz has become a fan favorite in the women’s strawweight division.
Her journey from Krav Maga practitioner to UFC title contender is a testament to her dedication and skill in the sport.
Below, we break down her career, personal life, and financial standing with precision.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karolina Kowalkiewicz |
| Nickname | Polish Princess |
| Born | October 15, 1985 |
| Age | 39 |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Height | 5’3″ (1.60 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $4 million |
| Spouse | Lukasz Zaborowski |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @karolinakowalkiewicz |
Karolina Kowalkiewicz was born and raised in Łódź, Poland. She began her martial arts journey at a young age, initially training in Krav Maga before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Early Career
Kowalkiewicz’s martial arts journey began at age 16 when she started training in Krav Maga. She later transitioned to Muay Thai and decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
Before turning professional, Kowalkiewicz competed in two amateur fights. Her professional debut came in May 2012 in her native Poland, where she quickly made a name for herself in the local MMA scene.
Over the next three-and-a-half years, she amassed an impressive undefeated record of seven wins against no losses, primarily fighting for the Poland-based KSW promotion, where she became the Flyweight champion.
Professional Career
Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s professional career took a significant turn when she signed with the UFC in late October 2015. She made her promotional debut on December 19, 2015, at UFC on FOX 17, securing a unanimous decision victory over Randa Markos.
This win set the tone for her UFC career, as she went on to defeat notable opponents such as Heather Jo Clark and Rose Namajunas. Her victory over Namajunas at UFC 201 in 2016 earned her a Fight of the Night bonus and a shot at the UFC Strawweight Championship.
Although she lost the title fight against Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 205, Kowalkiewicz continued to be a formidable presence in the division.
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Her career has been marked by resilience, as she bounced back from a 5-fight losing streak to win four consecutive bouts between 2022 and 2023, showcasing her determination and ability to evolve as a fighter.
Spouse
Karolina Kowalkiewicz is married to Lukasz Zaborowski. The couple tied the knot in 2021, as revealed by Kowalkiewicz in an Instagram post.
Zaborowski has been an integral part of Kowalkiewicz’s career, serving as her coach at Shark Top Team since her UFC signing in 2015.
He is currently a coach at MMA Polska and the founder of the K2 Zaborowski Foundation, which aims to help children through sports and assist athletes unable to continue their careers due to injuries.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s Net Worth Details
Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025. This figure reflects her earnings from her successful UFC career, fight purses, performance bonuses, and various endorsements.
Kowalkiewicz’s financial success is a testament to her longevity in the sport and her ability to remain a relevant and marketable figure in women’s MMA.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 205 | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | $2,296,484 |
| UFC 228 | Jessica Andrade | $55,000 |
| UFC 238 | Alexa Grasso | $55,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 168 | Yan Xiaonan | $55,000 |
Endorsements
Karolina Kowalkiewicz has secured several endorsement deals throughout her career, including:
- Reebok (UFC’s official outfitting partner during her early UFC career)
- Venum (Current UFC outfitting partner)
Career Records
Here’s a table showcasing some of Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s notable opponents and the outcomes of those fights:
| Opponent | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk | UFC 205 | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
| Rose Namajunas | UFC 201 | Win (Split Decision) |
| Cláudia Gadelha | UFC 212 | Loss (Submission) |
| Jessica Andrade | UFC 228 | Loss (KO) |
| Michelle Waterson | UFC on ESPN 2 | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
| Felice Herrig | UFC Fight Night 207 | Win (Submission) |
| Diana Belbiţă | UFC Fight Night 229 | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Iasmin Lucindo | UFC 301 | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
FAQs
1. What is Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s professional MMA record?
Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s professional MMA record stands at 16 wins and 9 losses.
2. When did Karolina Kowalkiewicz make her UFC debut?
Karolina Kowalkiewicz made her UFC debut on December 19, 2015, at UFC on FOX 17.
3. Has Karolina Kowalkiewicz ever fought for a UFC title?
Yes, Karolina Kowalkiewicz fought for the UFC Strawweight Championship against Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 205 on November 12, 2016, but lost by unanimous decision.
4. What is Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s martial arts background?
Karolina Kowalkiewicz began her martial arts journey with Krav Maga at age 16, later transitioning to Muay Thai before pursuing a career in mixed martial arts.
5. Who is Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s husband?
Karolina Kowalkiewicz is married to Lukasz Zaborowski, who is also her coach and has been working with her since her UFC signing in 2015.
6. What was Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s longest winning streak in the UFC?
Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s longest winning streak in the UFC was four fights, which she achieved between 2022 and 2023.
7. Has Karolina Kowalkiewicz ever won any performance bonuses in the UFC?
Yes, Karolina Kowalkiewicz won a Fight of the Night bonus for her performance against Rose Namajunas at UFC 201 in 2016.
8. What health condition was Karolina Kowalkiewicz diagnosed with in 2019?
In 2019, Karolina Kowalkiewicz was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid.
9. What is the name of the foundation Karolina Kowalkiewicz and her husband are involved with?
Karolina Kowalkiewicz and her husband are involved with the K2 Zaborowski Foundation, which aims to help children through sports and assist injured athletes.
10. What is Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s estimated net worth as of 2025?
As of 2025, Karolina Kowalkiewicz’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million.
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