Cláudia Gadelha V Karolina Kowalkiewicz: What will go down:

Which top contender claims victory in this international matchup?

Two of the greatest Strawweights on the planet feature in the co-main event of UFC 212 in Brazil, as aggressive hometown hero Cláudia Gadelha faces Pole striking sensation Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Both top challengers have faced undisputed queen Joanna Jędrzejczyk three times between them with a record of 0-3 against the Olsztyn native. Mossoró born Gadelha, was incredibly unfortunate to lose a razor thin decision to Joanna in their premier bout, but second time around, The Ultimate Fighter coaches clashed, with Joanna's accurate striking and conditioning proving the difference between the pair. Elsewhere at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden, it was an all Polish title fight as Jędrzejczyk successfully defended against former foe Kowalkiewicz, despite a late scare.

It is unquestionable that both women are the next best in the 115lbs divison, with Gadelha's and Karolina's only losses coming against Joanna. Cláudia recovered in impressive style last time out, convincingly dispatching Cortney 'Cast Iron' Casey to set up this potential title eliminator. Gadelha is a nasty volume striker but her base goes all the way back to Nova Uniao, gaining her BJJ black belt from legendary coach André Pederneiras. That extensive grappling background has resulted in 6 career submission wins for the 28 year-old.

Łódź star Kowalkiewicz's lineage dates back to her precise Muay Thai and Kickboxing training. A three fight UFC veteran, the 'Polish Princess' was a Flyweight champion in the promotion KSW, successfully defending once against former Invicta FC Strawweight Jasminka Cive. With the recent establishment of the Women's Flyweight divison in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, I believe Karolina could easily have incredible success in her old stomping ground.

The main keys for success for Gadelha is to get in close and make use of jabs and other volume strikes, and to make this a Jiu-Jitsu matchup against the predominantly striking Karolina, while Kowalkiewicz may look to the blueprint she executed against 'Thug' Rose Namajunas on her way to that split decision victory to find success.

Cláudia Gadelha via submission.

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