At UFC 201 on July 20, 2016, top-ranked strawweights Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Rose Namajunas battled in the co-main event of the card. It was a close, even contest that ended in a split decision for Kowalkiewicz. With the victory over Namajunas, Kowalkiewicz went on to challenge the champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 205. Kowalkiewicz lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Now, looking to get back in the winning column, Kowalkiewicz will taking on former title challenger Claudia Gadelha in the co-main of UFC 212.