Karolina Kowalkiewicz Reports She Needs Surgery to Repair Facial Break, Doctor Advises Against Flying Back to Poland

If you watched Karolina Kowalkiewicz fight Yan Xiaonan on Saturday night, you know that early on, it was obvious she was dealing with some sort of eye injury. Well, unfortunately, the Polish strawweight has confirmed she suffered a facial break in the loss and as of right now, her next steps are unclear.

Kowalkiewicz confirms she needs surgery

Not long into the fight, Xiaonan hit Kowalkiewicz with some big punches and the latter started pawing at her right eye. She continued to do so for the rest of the bout, and at one juncture, she was heard telling the cageside doctor she was having issues with her eyesight. Kowalkiewicz also said she could keep fighting.

Since UFC Auckland, however, Kowalkiewicz shared out a video statement, in which she confirmed she’s going to need surgery to repair a facial break (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“First time in my life after fight, I cannot say I’m OK,” Kowalkiewicz stated. “Like you see, in the beginning of the first round I have broken small bone [below my eye]. I couldn’t see nothing. My vision was double and everything was like in the fog. After the fight, I spent all day in hospital.

“Today I’m going to specialist and they make decision. Because I need operation and I’m waiting on decision here or I can go back to Poland and make this operation in Poland. The doctors said I have to stay here because flying with this eye is very dangerous.”

Next steps for Kowalkiewicz?

The 34-year-old showed a ton of heart, once again, in the defeat, and hopefully, she has a full and speedy recovery. It was Kowalkiewicz’s fourth straight loss, however, so you have to wonder if her UFC run might be in jeopardy.

Kowalkiewicz (12-6) joined the UFC in 2015 and proceeded to win three in a row, and that included scoring a victory over the now-former champ, Rose Namajunas. She fought Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the 115 crown in November, 2016, and lost by decision. Since then, Kowalkiewicz has gone 2-5.