Karolina Kowalkiewicz Says Joanna Jedrzejczyk Is ‘Making Excuses’ Following Loss To Rose Namajunas
The rivalry between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Joanna Jedrzejczyk hasn’t died down since their fight at UFC 205 and a second showdown between the Polish fighters could be on the cards if the stars align this year.
Kowalkiewicz looks set to face Felice Herrig on April 7 at UFC 223 in Brooklyn and a win would put her within touching distance of getting back into the title mix at 115-pounds. Speaking to MMANews.pl earlier today, Kowalkiewicz spoke about who she would want to face later down the line for the title and she wasn’t shy about saying it was her fellow countrywoman she’d like to rematch.
“If I had to fight Rose or Joanna again, let’s say for the belt, I’d prefer to fight Joanna again,” Kowalkiewicz said. “My athletic ambition pushes me to that bout, and if I had to fight Rose, it would be a bit tough emotionally, because I really like that girl.”
Since losing the title to Namajunas at UFC 217, Jedrzejczyk has spoken in the media several times about the difficulties she had making weight for the bout. Kowalkiewicz, however, doesn’t believe Jedrzejczyk should be using her weight cut as an excuse and that she’s isn’t entirely sure she had a problem making weight in the first place.
“This is nonsense and making excuses,” Kowalkiewicz said. “I don’t know, maybe that makes her feel better and allows her to mentally handle that [loss].
“She blames her dietetic team. But seriously, does she not have her own mind? If she saw that she weighs too much… I don’t know, I am constantly in touch with my nutritionist, even though she lives in Poznan and I live in Lodz.
“If she felt earlier that something is wrong, she has to cut too much, I don’t know. I think this is one big lie.”