Ultimate confirms Claudinha Gadelha against Kowalkiewicz at UFC Rio

Claudia (left) catches Karolina (right) in Rio (Photo: Getty Images/Production: SUPER LUTAS)

Ultimate confirmed, through its social networks, that the Brazilian Claudia gadelha will face the Polish Karolina Kowalkiewicz, in a duel of top strawweight contenders. The fight will take place at UFC 212, which will be held on June 3, in Rio de Janeiro. Claudinha is number one in the ranking, while Karolina is in second position. The two fighters were the champion's last challenges Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who won them by decision, despite going through trouble in both duels.

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Since her defeat to Joanna in July, Claudinha has found her way back to victory by dominating Cortney Casey in the UFC Sao Paulo in November and now continues fighting at home, in Rio de Janeiro, where she trained most of her career with Nova União. Karolina hasn't fought since she lost a balanced decision to Jedrzejczyk, at the historic UFC 205, held in the same month as the Brazilian's last fight, in New York.

The duel between Gadelha and Kowalkiewicz is only the second fight confirmed for UFC Rio, also called UFC 212. The main fight will be between the lineal featherweight champion José Aldo and the owner of the interim belt Max Holloway, in a fight that will unify the titles up to 66 kg.

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