Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Claudia Gadelha vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Here's the match video of Claudia Gadelha vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz from last night's UFC show in Brazil. Both have lost to UFC Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzeczyk and both want to get back into the title picture. After she lost to Joanna, Claudia decided to leave her long time gym Nova Uniao. Fighters switch gyms all the time. But this was different as Claudia had been there her whole career. She felt she needed a fresh perspective. She moved to the US and went to Albuquerque and the famed Jackson Wink gym. She actually trains at a separate gym in the Jackson Wink building led by police officer and long time Mike Winklejohn pal Chris Luttrell. He specializes in elite UFC fighters. Her goal was to get back to finishing fights which she hadn't done in the UFC. This fight will tell us if that was a good decision. Karolina had one good round in her lopsided loss to Joanna. And she thought that was enough to get another title shot. She's a striker with no power or ground game meaning she is a dreaded points fighter. The big question was could Claudia take Karolina down and keep her down. Well, it didn't take long. Halfway through round one, Claudia got that takedown and it was over in seconds with a rear naked choke. That's exactly what I wanted to see from Claudia. She's probably ready for a title shot. But Claudia said earlier this week that she wants another fight first. For one thing, she's moving to Albuquerque. So I expect Rose Namajunas to get the next title shot. Meanwhile, Dominick Cruz on commentary floated that Claudia's next opponent could be a UFC newcomer. After seeing all kinds of goofy names mentioned, I think that was a red herring. Just remember there are certain fighters outside the UFC like Angela Lee that have lengthy big money contracts and aren't going anywhere. Talk is cheap. She would have to accept a significant pay cut to come to the UFC. I would keep an eye out on an upcoming fight in Scotland between Joanne Calderwood and Cynthia Calvillo. The winner could be Claudia's next opponent. Enjoy the video!