LAS VEGAS – Iasmin Lucindo thinks it’s time she faces same of the more known names in her division.
The 21-year-old strawweight prospect is looking to test herself against former UFC title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz following her latest win in the octagon. Lucindo (15-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is coming off a win over fellow Brazilian Polyana Viana (13-6 MMA, 4-5 UFC) on the main card of UFC on ESPN 51, which took place Saturday at the UFC Apex.
“Karolina the Polish fighter – I don’t know how to pronounce her last name – (is whom I want next),” Lucindo told reporters. “I’ve been watching ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ the veterans against the new generation, and I want to propose that: the new generation vs. the veteran. I’m also a fan of hers, too, and I think that’s a great fight.”
Lucindo, who’s now on a two-fight winning streak since losing her UFC debut on short notice in August 2022, thinks she’s physically ready to take on Kowalkiewicz, but sees it as a tough test mentally.
“I think it would be a great fight, and with my style I see a lot of striking, a lot of standup,” Lucindo said. “And also, I think it’s an opportunity to challenge myself because it’s someone that it’s not just for the style, but the experience. I wouldn’t be challenging myself physically, I would be challenging myself mentally and psychologically to see how ready I am.”
As far as where could that fight land, Lucindo likes the idea of fighting in home soil in the upcoming UFC Fight Night event in Sao Paulo on Nov. 4.
“If it were in Brazil it would be wonderful,” Lucindo said. “Who doesn’t want to fight in Brazil? It will be amazing, and it would be wonderful, and I came out of this fight 100 percent. If Dana (White) wants to give me that fight, I will be ready for it.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 51.
Iasmin Lucindo wants Karolina Kowalkiewicz next: ‘The new generation vs. the veteran’