Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Diana Belbita H2H Stats, Record, Wins, and Defeats in the UFC

8 months ago By Jhon Woug

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is bracing itself for another thrilling showdown as former title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz prepares to step into the octagon to face off against the formidable women’s strawweight contender, Diana Belbita. This highly anticipated clash is scheduled to headline UFC Vegas 80, and it has captured the attention of MMA enthusiasts around the globe. In this extensive article, we will delve deep into the head-to-head (H2H) statistics, fighter records, and the respective UFC journeys of Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita, offering a comprehensive analysis of what fans can anticipate when these two fierce competitors collide.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz needs no introduction to the UFC and the women’s strawweight division. With a professional record boasting 15 wins and 7 losses, Kowalkiewicz has cemented her reputation as one of the division’s most esteemed fighters. Her path in the realm of MMA is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Kowalkiewicz’s UFC Debut

Karolina Kowalkiewicz made her highly anticipated UFC debut in 2015, instantly garnering recognition for her exceptional striking skills and gritty fighting style. Her arrival in the promotion marked a turning point for the women’s strawweight division, elevating its competitiveness.

Title Challenger

One of the defining moments in Kowalkiewicz’s illustrious career came when she boldly challenged Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the UFC women’s strawweight championship at UFC 205 in 2016. Her path to the title shot included a pivotal victory over none other than Rose Namajunas, setting the stage for her historic title bid.

Three-Fight Winning Streak

While Kowalkiewicz came up short in her title challenge against Jedrzejczyk, she has rebounded impressively and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. These victories not only underscore her unwavering determination but also emphasise her resolve to remain a top contender in the division.

Diana Belbita, known as “The Warrior Princess,” represents a rising star in the women’s strawweight division. Sporting a professional record mirroring that of Kowalkiewicz at 15 wins and 7 losses, Belbita brings her own unique set of skills, aspirations, and determination into this anticipated matchup.

UFC Debut

Diana Belbita made her UFC debut in 2019, embarking on a journey that has seen her steadily ascend the rankings of the women’s strawweight division. Her path within the UFC has been characterised by a series of challenges and opportunities that have moulded her into the fighter she is today.

Transition to Strawweight

After initially competing in the women’s flyweight division, Belbita made a calculated transition to the strawweight class, where she has found remarkable success. Her unanimous decision victory over Maria Oliveira at UFC 289 served as a compelling showcase of her potential in the division.

Undefeated at strawweight

As a strawweight competitor, Diana Belbita remains undefeated, a testament to her adaptability and skill set in her newly adopted weight class. Her capacity to effectively compete at 115 pounds adds an intriguing layer of complexity to her impending clash with Kowalkiewicz.

Head-to-Head Stats

When two fighters possessing similar records and distinct fighting styles collide, it often sets the stage for an exhilarating showdown. Let’s closely examine the head-to-head statistics of both Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita, offering insights into how they stack up across various facets of the sport.

Striking

In the striking department, Kowalkiewicz boasts a significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) rate of 5.65, closely shadowed by Belbita, who boasts an impressive 6.59 SLpM. Kowalkiewicz’s striking accuracy stands at 42%, while Belbita maintains a slightly higher accuracy rate of 44%. The striking exchanges in this contest promise to be action-packed, with both fighters demonstrating their proficiency in this area.

Defence

Kowalkiewicz’s striking defence is commendable, boasting a success rate of 58% in avoiding significant strikes. In contrast, Belbita exhibits a 53% striking defense. This disparity in striking defence could potentially play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the fight.

Grappling

Turning our attention to grappling, Kowalkiewicz averages 0.31 takedowns per 15 minutes, showcasing a takedown accuracy of 30%. Her takedown defence stands at an impressive 76%. In contrast, Belbita averages 0.72 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a higher takedown accuracy of 50%. However, her takedown defence is marginally lower at 66%. The grappling exchanges in this matchup could emerge as a decisive factor in the fight’s outcome.

Submission

In terms of submission prowess, Kowalkiewicz maintains a submission average of 0.2 submissions per 15 minutes, while Belbita has yet to secure a submission victory in her professional career. While submissions may not be their primary focus, this aspect adds depth and complexity to the overall dynamics of the contest.

The stakes and what’s at risk

In the world of mixed martial arts, each bout carries more than just the outcome; it bears the weight of aspirations, dreams, and career trajectories. Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita’s impending clash at UFC Vegas 80 holds significant stakes and the potential to reshape their MMA journeys. Let’s delve into what’s on the line for these two warriors and how a victory or loss could impact their respective careers.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz, “The Polish Princess,” enters this bout with a determined heart, seeking redemption and a chance to add another chapter to her storied career. With a professional record of 15 wins and 7 losses, Kowalkiewicz has experienced the highs and lows of the sport. However, her recent three-fight winning streak has reignited her hopes of ascending the women’s strawweight ladder.

A victory over Diana Belbita would not only extend her winning streak but also signify her ability to compete at an elite level once more. It could serve as a testament to her resilience, tenacity, and unyielding spirit. Moreover, a win might propel Kowalkiewicz back into the title conversation—a place she’s visited before in her career.

Belbita’s Ascent

Diana Belbita, known as “The Warrior Princess,” stands on the precipice of a potentially transformative moment in her MMA journey. With a record mirroring Kowalkiewicz’s at 15 wins and 7 losses, Belbita has been steadily forging her path in the women’s strawweight division. Her arrival in the UFC in 2019 marked the beginning of a compelling narrative—one filled with challenges, growth, and opportunities.

For Belbita, a triumph over a seasoned fighter like Kowalkiewicz represents more than just a win on her record. It signifies her ability to hang with the division’s best and positions her as a rising star in the strawweight landscape. Such a victory would undoubtedly thrust her into the MMA spotlight, garnering attention from fans and fellow fighters alike. It could also open doors to more high-profile matchups and opportunities to climb the division rankings.

Divisional Implications

Beyond the individual journeys of Kowalkiewicz and Belbita, this matchup carries broader implications for the women’s strawweight division. As the division’s landscape continues to evolve, every fight contributes to the shaping of its hierarchy. The winner of this contest could find themselves in a favourable position within the division, potentially on the cusp of challenging higher-ranked opponents.

For Kowalkiewicz, a victory would mean reestablishing herself as a top-tier contender and proving that her recent resurgence is no fluke. She would rejoin the conversation alongside fighters like Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Rose Namajunas, with a renewed sense of purpose and momentum.

On the other hand, Belbita’s ascent would be accelerated, and she might find herself knocking on the door of the division’s elite. It could lead to matchups against fighters ranked above her, providing opportunities to showcase her skills and climb the ladder further.

In essence, this showdown between Kowalkiewicz and Belbita extends far beyond their individual careers. It’s a pivotal moment in the narrative of the women’s strawweight division, with implications that ripple through the rankings and the aspirations of all contenders in the weight class. The outcome of UFC Vegas 80 will not only shape the destinies of these two fighters but also influence the landscape of the entire division.

The clash between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita at UFC Vegas 80 promises to be a compelling showcase of skills, determination, and heart. With their near-identical records and distinct fighting styles, fans can expect an exciting contest that could have a significant impact on the women’s strawweight division. As both fighters prepare to leave it all in the octagon, MMA enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the outcome of this captivating battle. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an unforgettable night of UFC action.

Fighter Profiles

Let’s take a closer look at the fighter profiles of both Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita, providing a comprehensive overview of their careers and accomplishments within the sport.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Age: 37 (born on October 15, 1985)
Height: 5’3″ (160.02 cm)
Weight: 116 lbs (52.62 kg)
Association: American Top Team
Class: Strawweight
Wins: 15
- KO/TKO: 1 (7%)
- Submissions: 3 (20%)
- Decisions: 11 (73%)
Losses: 7
- KO/TKO: 1 (14%)
- Submissions: 2 (29%)
- Decisions: 4 (57%)

Diana Belbita

Age: 27 (born on June 26, 1996)
Height: 5’7″ (170.18 cm)
Weight: 115 lbs (52.16 kg)
Association: House of Champions MMA
Class: Strawweight
Wins: 15
- KO/TKO: 6 (40%)
- Submissions: 4 (27%)
- Decisions: 5 (33%)
Losses: 7
- KO/TKO: 0 (0%)
- Submissions: 4 (57%)
- Decisions: 3 (43%)

Fight History: Pro

Here, we’ll explore the recent fight history of both Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita, shedding light on their most notable matchups leading up to their impending clash at UFC Vegas 80.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Recent Fights:

Win vs. Vanessa Demopoulos at UFC Fight Night 223 (May 20, 2023): Decision (Unanimous)
Win vs. Silvana Gomez Juarez at UFC 281 (Nov. 12, 2022): Decision (Unanimous)
Win vs. Felice Herrig at UFC Fight Night 207 (June 4, 2022): Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Loss vs. Jessica Penne at UFC 265 (August 7, 2021): Submission (Armbar)
Loss vs. Xiaonan Yan at UFC Fight Night 168 (February 23, 2020): Decision (Unanimous)
Loss vs. Alexa Grasso at UFC 238 (June 8, 2019): Decision (Unanimous)
Loss vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez at UFC on ESPN 2 (March 30, 2019): Decision (Unanimous)

Diana Belbita

Recent Fights:

Win vs. Maria Oliveira at UFC 289 (Jun 10, 2023): Decision (Unanimous)
Loss vs. Gloria de Paula at UFC Fight Night 201 (February 19, 2022): Decision (Unanimous)
Win vs. Hannah Goldy at UFC on ESPN 27 (July 24, 2021): Decision (Unanimous)
Loss vs. Liana Jojua at UFC on ESPN 13 (July 15, 2020): Submission (Armbar)
Loss vs. Molly McCann at UFC on ESPN 6 (Oct. 18, 2019): Decision (Unanimous)

The mental battle

While physical prowess and technical skills are paramount in MMA, the mental aspect of the sport cannot be underestimated. Both Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita face not only each other inside the octagon but also their own inner demons and doubts.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz has experienced the highs and lows of a fighter’s journey. She’s tasted victory in exhilarating battles and suffered the bitterness of defeat. Through it all, her mental fortitude has been a defining trait. Her ability to bounce back from adversity, whether it’s a losing streak or a setback in a fight, showcases her unwavering determination.

In this bout, Kowalkiewicz’s mental strength will once again be put to the test. She carries the weight of expectations, both from herself and her fans, as she seeks redemption and a return to championship contention. Overcoming the fear of failure and staying focused on the task at hand will be crucial in her quest for victory.

Diana Belbita’s journey in the UFC has been marked by a steady rise, and with each victory, her confidence has grown. As a fighter on the ascent, she enters UFC Vegas 80 with the belief that she can overcome a seasoned opponent like Kowalkiewicz. This burgeoning self-assurance can be a double-edged sword, fueling her drive to succeed while also carrying the burden of heightened expectations.

Belbita’s mental state and ability to stay composed under pressure will play a pivotal role in this matchup. Confidence can be a powerful asset, but it must be balanced with respect for her opponent and a strategic approach to the fight. How she manages the mental side of the battle could determine her fate in the octagon.

A Glimpse into the Future

As fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita, it’s worth considering what lies ahead for the winner of this clash. The outcome of UFC Vegas 80 will inevitably shape the future of both fighters, with different trajectories depending on who emerges victorious.

A win for Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC Vegas 80 would be more than just a triumph in the moment—it could be the catalyst for a redemption story. It would solidify her comeback and reestablish her as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s strawweight division.

With momentum on her side, Kowalkiewicz could set her sights on higher-ranked opponents, potentially leading to a rematch with Joanna Jedrzejczyk or a showdown with the reigning champion. A victory in this bout could mark the beginning of her ascent back to title contention.

For Diana Belbita, a win would be a career-defining moment. It would not only extend her winning streak but also thrust her into the spotlight of the women’s strawweight division. Belbita could find herself in discussions about future contenders and high-profile matchups.

With her stock on the rise, Belbita might secure opportunities to face top-ranked opponents and climb the division ladder rapidly. A victory over Kowalkiewicz would serve as a testament to her potential and signal her arrival as a legitimate threat in the weight class.

UFC Vegas 80 is not just a single chapter in the careers of Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita; it’s a crossroads with diverging paths. The mental battle and the glimpse into the future provide intriguing dimensions to this matchup, making it a must-watch for MMA fans worldwide.

Upcoming Fight: UFC Fight Night 229

The excitement surrounding the impending battle between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Diana Belbita continues to grow as they prepare to face each other at UFC Fight Night 229, scheduled for October 7, 2023, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

Both fighters are diligently preparing for this pivotal matchup, and MMA enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the outcome of this captivating battle. With their similar records, striking prowess, and unique styles, this fight promises to be a spectacle that may have a profound impact on the women’s strawweight division.