Rio de Janeiro, a city synonymous with passion and vibrant energy, is once again set to host a pivotal night of mixed martial arts. UFC Fight Night 261, headlined by the highly anticipated clash between Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot, will feature a strawweight encounter on its undercard that promises to deliver high stakes and raw emotion. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, inside the Farmasi Arena, Brazil`s own Julia “Psycho” Polastri will face off against the seasoned Polish veteran, Karolina Kowalkiewicz. This isn`t just another fight; it’s a narrative of redemption for two women determined to reclaim their footing in the ultra-competitive strawweight division.
A Tale of Two Journeys: The Fighters Enter the Octagon
Julia Polastri: The `Psycho` at Home
Julia Polastri, fighting on home turf, carries the hopes of her nation into the octagon. With a professional record of 13 wins and 5 losses over a seven-year career, Polastri has demonstrated her capability and fighting spirit. Her nickname, `Psycho,` hints at her aggressive style and relentless pursuit of victory. However, her most recent outing resulted in a unanimous decision loss to Lupita Godinez, a setback she`ll be eager to rectify in front of a supportive Brazilian crowd. Standing 157 cm tall and weighing in at 52.2 kg, Polastri`s youth and vigor are undeniable assets, but this bout will test her ability to convert raw power into a decisive strategic advantage.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz: The Veteran`s Resurgence
On the opposing side stands Karolina Kowalkiewicz, a Polish fighter with an extensive resume dating back to her 2012 debut. With 16 wins and 9 losses, Kowalkiewicz brings a wealth of experience that few can match. Her career has seen her contend with some of the best in the division, forging a reputation for durability and tactical precision. Much like Polastri, Kowalkiewicz is also seeking a return to form, having lost her last bout to Denise Gomes by unanimous decision. At 160 cm and 52.6 kg, Kowalkiewicz is known for her technical striking and resilience, qualities she will undoubtedly leverage against her younger opponent.
The Stakes: Redemption in Rio
What makes this undercard fight particularly intriguing is the shared narrative of recent losses. Both Polastri and Kowalkiewicz are coming off unanimous decision defeats, creating a symmetrical tension where a win is not just about advancing in the rankings, but about regaining momentum and confidence. The stakes are profoundly personal: for Polastri, it`s about solidifying her status as a legitimate contender in front of her compatriots; for Kowalkiewicz, it`s about proving that her veteran savvy can still outmaneuver the division`s rising talent. While betting odds might favor Polastri at 1.2 (-500) against Kowalkiewicz`s 5.0 (+400), the octagon, much like life, rarely adheres to pre-written scripts. The “evenly poised” nature of this battle, despite the numbers, reflects the unpredictable beauty of MMA.
Event Logistics and How to Watch
UFC Fight Night 261 will unfold on **Saturday, October 11, 2025**, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main card, featuring the highly anticipated Oliveira vs. Gamrot showdown, is scheduled to kick off at **04:00 PM EST**. The Polastri vs. Kowalkiewicz bout, as part of the undercard, is expected to commence around **04:20 PM EST**, though actual ring walk times are always subject to change based on the duration of earlier fights. For those in the USA and Canada, live coverage will be available via **ESPN+**. Viewers in other regions should consult their local listings for broadcast information and start times.
Note for International Viewers: If streaming services are restricted in your country, or if you find no viable local options, accessing content through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can allow you to bypass geographical restrictions and watch the event from a region where it is available.
Full Fight Card Preview: A Night of Action
While Polastri vs. Kowalkiewicz promises to be a thrilling strawweight clash, it is just one piece of a stacked Fight Night 261 card. Fans can look forward to a comprehensive evening of combat sports featuring a diverse array of matchups across various weight classes. The complete lineup includes:
- Charles Oliveira vs Mateusz Gamrot (Main Event)
- Deiveson Figueiredo vs Montel Jackson
- Vicente Luque vs Joel Alvarez
- Jhonata Diniz vs Mario Pinto
- Ricardo Ramos vs Kaan Ofli
- Lucas Almeida vs Michael Aswell
- Jafel Filho vs Clayton Carpenter
- Vitor Petrino vs Thomas Petersen
- Luan Lacerda vs Saimon Oliveira
- Lucas Rocha vs Stewart Nicoll
- Julia Polastri vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz
- Beatriz Mesquita vs Irina Alekseeva
This Fight Night in Rio is poised to be an unforgettable event, offering a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans. The Polastri vs. Kowalkiewicz bout stands out as a critical juncture for both fighters, embodying the relentless pursuit of victory that defines mixed martial arts. Expect fireworks in the strawweight division as these two warriors step into the crucible of the octagon, each vying for a decisive win to propel their careers forward.