Lipski leaves UFC's chaos behind to chase PFL flyweight title at 32

Ariane Lipski da Silva is targeting a PFL flyweight title after a turbulent UFC stint that saw nine of her bouts canceled or postponed in under seven years, leaving the Brazilian with a 6-8 Octagon record that she believes fails to reflect her true ability.

Lipski, 32, first made her name in Brazil before moving to Poland’s KSW promotion, where she won the flyweight belt and defended it twice. The UFC came calling in 2018, but a foot injury to booked opponent Maryna Moroz delayed her actual debut until 2019 — a preview, as it turned out, of the disruption that would define her time in the organisation. Injuries, illnesses, failed PED tests by opponents, and travel restrictions all contributed to the string of cancellations that repeatedly derailed her momentum.

“To a certain extent, the opponent changes always had an effect. But I wouldn’t blame my losses on that,” da Silva told Sherdog.com. “For some bouts, I wasn’t physically well. I still accepted those challenges, believing I could still win. At other times, I wasn’t mentally well. And I still believed I’d get the win. All were lessons to be learned. It takes experience to truly understand how one’s body works, and to consistently translate training into positive results.”

She made her PFL debut this past March, defeating Hawaiian fighter Sumiko Inaba, and is now preparing for a clash with Jena Bishop. Lipski acknowledged she fell short of a finish in that opener but has since worked specifically on that aspect of her game.

“I came close in the second round, when I knocked my opponent down. I lacked the techniques for finishing the fight at that moment. But I came back to my academy and trained for that scenario,” she said. “I find ways to evolve from every fight, though I always feel I have more to learn, even after a win.”

On the upcoming Bishop matchup, Lipski sees a favourable style contrast. “I know she has very good jiu-jitsu. It’s a clash of styles — striker versus grappler. My jiu-jitsu level is better than her striking level. As such, I feel I’m at an advantage. My experience, physical strength, and standup technique will make the difference. I’m constantly improving my ground skills. I’m looking forward to an excellent performance.”

Having rebuilt her career once before — from the Brazilian regional scene to KSW gold — Lipski is convinced the PFL represents the platform where she can finally fulfil the potential that UFC turbulence repeatedly interrupted.