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"I've dreamed about it, worked really hard for it, and finally it came true. I hope it's just the beginning."



On November 12, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Joanna Jedrzejczyk will make history when they become the first two Polish and European fighters to compete for a UFC title at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden.



No time to look back, only looking forward

Kowalkiewicz earned the right to face Joanna back at UFC 199 in June when she defeated Rose Namajunas via a split decision. While the victory was the biggest of her career, the Polish fighter isn't dwelling on it too much as it now purely focused on the task ahead at MSG.



"I was preparing for this fight as usual really hard and all the time I was learning new things," Kowalkiewicz told MMAPLtv. "The fight went how I imagined it and what more can I say? I don't think about that fight anymore. I'm focused on another one, but it was cool.



"When I reminisce about it, it feels really good. When I get into the cage now I feel like I belong there and it's the place I am supposed to be. I'm really happy there, I'm super calm there and I just want to do my job."



Sitting among the stars at the NYC press conference

Kowalkiewicz attended the UFC 205 press conference last week in New York and sat to left of Conor McGregor. Suffice to say, the Pole enjoyed the experience and said she couldn't have ever imagined being part of something so grand when she first started the sport.



"Huge--really huge and really awesome," Kowalkiewicz said. "I still can't believe what's happening right now. Being among all the fighters of the world. Karolina Kowalkiewicz--Yeah, little me from Poland was sitting somewhere in there next to Conor McGregor. I was really glad I could be a part of this."



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"When I started fighting in MMA there weren't any women in the UFC and Dana White promised there wouldn't t be any females in the UFC. When Ronda came along it changed and since that time I dreamed about being in the UFC. When then they opened my division I went totally nuts and worked really hard to be in the place I am today."



Hearing the dream was happening

The Pole then revealed when she first heard the fight with Joanna was happening and when it was all made official.



"It was said before the fight with Rose that the winner would get the title shot," Kowalkiewicz said. "But I found out a few days before the official announcement just before the press conference that for 100% it's going to be in a New York."



It's not about Joanna, it's about the title

Kowalkiewicz then spoke about the relationship between the two Polish strawweights. Anyone hoping that there might be bitter and ill feeling might be left a little disappointed by her response.



"Oh, there isn't any relationship," Kowalkiewicz said. "We barely know each other and you're asking me intimate things like that… come on. I prefer the boys."





"I didn't understand her too well either," Kowalkiewicz said, speaking about what the straredown between the two. "But these are real emotions. A few moments before conference we've bumped into each other, we greeted as usual, we spoke a few words but at the conference emotions were so real.



"In a few weeks we are supposed to fight for the UFC belt. She's going to try defend her belt and I will try to take it from her. It's normal, that for these few seconds, or few minutes, when we look each other in the eye we are lit. It will be the same in the moments before the fight and during the fight."



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Kowalkiewicz then said her drive for the title wasn't fueled on hatred or any dislike of Joanna, but more her determination and desire to be the champion.



"I just want to win the fight, I have no issues with Joanna," Kowalkiewicz said. I've always said that and I'll continue to say that. I respect all kind of sportsmen, especially martial artists and MMA fighters. I respect Joanna, for what she's accomplished and she's the best in the world.



"I want to fight with the best and I want to win against the greatest. It's just a competition."