Joanna Jedrejczak weathers Karolina Kowalkiewicz, retains UFC strawweight title

NEW YORK – Joanna Jedrejczak survived a fierce fourth-round onslaught from challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz to retain the UFC women’s strawweight title at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

Jedrejczak won a unanimous decision, 49-46 on all three judges’ scorecards, in the third-to-last bout at UFC 205, but was rocked by her Polish compatriot’s sturdy right hand.

Kowalkiewicz landed a series of straight shots in the fourth to leave Jedrejczak wobbling. However, the champ recovered strongly to hold onto her belt and extend her streak of wins to 13.

“I wasn’t hurt that badly,” Jedrejczak said. “She is tough. I stay champion because I am humble every day and I challenge myself every day. I didn’t disrespect Karolina – I knew it would be a really tough fight.”

PHOTOS: BEST OF UFC 205