By Caoilte de Barra
Poland walked the walk on day four of the 2021 IMMAF Senior European Open Championships. Despite some rough luck in the men’s divisions, the three female entries have gone unscathed so far to secure a spot in the final.
Magdalena Czaban, Paulina Kontna and Sara Jozwiak all put on dominant performances in their respective fights today to set themselves up for a shot at Championship glory.
Czaban was the first in action as she made her walk to the cage for the first time today. ‘Atomówka’ made quick and easy work of her opponent. She looked very comfortable at first showing some great footwork before making her attack. Czaban went for the takedown and rolled forward ultimately taking the back of the World Junior Bronze medalist. From here she was relentless with her ground and pound forcing the referee to step in.
As for Paulina Kontna, she scored a second win in as many days. Yesterday she showed her aggressive clinch work and grappling to defeat Adel Makhametova with ease, scoring two 10-8’s in the middle and final round. Today was not as straightforward, Kontna marched forward in the first round looking for the takedown. Despite getting it she nearly got caught in a submission in the process. The round was too close for comfort and the judges scored it in favour of Russia’s Anastasiya Karmaeva.
The second and third rounds were decisive rounds for Kontna, she displayed the same toughness and aggression she did in the previous day and handled her opponent with ease, cruising to a Unanimous Decision victory.
Last up was Sara Jozwiak who has been silently creeping up while the attention is focused on undefeated World Champions Michelle Montague and Sabrina Laurentina De Sousa. While both Montague and De Sousa fought it out for a place in the final, Jozwiak continued her impressive run to the top. Yesterday she finished Russian prospect Alina Markelova with some vicious ground and pound but was brought the distance today.
The three rounds were a credit to her opponent for hanging in there. Jozwiak was ruthless in the clinch and continued to shine on the ground. The ground and pound was just as good as the previous day, cementing that win. Her win over the home nation duo lines up a fight with the ever dominant Sabrine Laurentina De Sousa tomorrow in the final.
The skill level of the Female Polish fighters has been incredible and really stood out at an event of high technical standard. Each woman has a good chance of victory tomorrow meaning that a hat trick of gold medals could be on route to Poland.
