Ariane Lipski’s Journey After UFC Departure
Ariane Lipski da Silva parted ways with the UFC shortly after a decision loss to Wand Cong in June 2025, a moment that nearly marked the end of her MMA career. However, a few months later, she found new motivation and signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
First Fight in the PFL
The former KSW flyweight champion, known as the “Queen of Violence,” is set to make her PFL debut this Saturday in Pittsburgh against seasoned Bellator fighter Sumiko Inaba. She discussed her almost-retirement prior to this significant matchup, which is her first fight in nine months.
Reflections on Retirement
“I thought about retiring because I had ambitious goals and believed I could reach them in the UFC,” da Silva shared with MMA Fighting. “I dedicated six years to the UFC, but when things didn’t pan out, I found myself contemplating other options. I briefly considered starting a family, but I realized I still have more to demonstrate in the cage, and thought my career deserved a better ending.”
Challenges in the UFC
After transitioning from a perfect 5-0 streak in KSW to a 6-8 record in the UFC, da Silva felt she was not performing to her potential. In addition to a three-fight losing streak, she was also coping with a benign pituitary tumor, which had contributed to her struggles, including a weight miss at UFC 316.
Healing and Rediscovery
“The recovery wasn’t immediate,” da Silva explained. “While I didn’t stop training completely, I took some time off due to injuries and my health issues. I needed about a month to regroup mentally and physically. During this phase, I realized that I am not defined by the goals I had set for myself and that there is still much I can achieve.”
New Beginnings in the PFL
Post-UFC life has allowed da Silva to step back from the pressures of weight cuts and stringent training camps, letting her enjoy training like in her earlier days. Cleared by doctors to continue competing, she felt rejuvenated and ready to embrace her competitive spirit once again, leading her to pursue the PFL opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares to fight Inaba, the PFL flyweight title remains vacant, and da Silva is keenly aware of her history in the division. While she doesn’t anticipate an immediate title shot, she is targeting a spot on the card where Liz Carmouche may face Dakota Ditcheva. “I believe they would give me one more fight, potentially against Top 5 ranked opponents,” she said, adding her interest in fighting in Europe soon.
