Ariane Lipski credits improved wrestling, overall MMA skill set for win at UFC Fight Night 221
LAS VEGAS – Ariane Lipski beat JJ Aldrich with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 221 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Lipski, who pulled off an upset over a favorite of more than 4-1.
JJ Aldrich vs. Ariane Lipski
Result: Ariane Lipski def. JJ Aldrich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Lipski (15-8 MMA, 4-5 UFC) def. JJ Aldrich (11-6 MMA, 7-5 UFC)
Key stat: Lipski doubled up on Aldrich in total strikes at 113-56.
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Lipski on the fight's key moment
Mar 11, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ariane Lipski (red gloves) reacts after defeating JJ Aldrich (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Virgin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
“I was looking for the KO since the beginning because that’s my style. But I know, JJ is a tough fighter, so I know she would adjust. I was really focused on showing how much I improved my MMA game – improved my style, but also my wrestling.”
Lipski on having a good head space
“Mentally, for sure, (is where I’ve improved). Last year was a really tough year for me. I got injured, I had to put off the fight, and then I got COVID. I had the problem with cutting weight. I went to the hospital. I got sick after I made the weight. I had the worst performance ever in my life. So just getting back (was big).”
Lipski on what she wants next
“(I want to get back) as soon as possible. I think I need like one week just to recover my weight, and then I think one month, two months, I’ll be ready.”
To hear more from Lipski, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 221.
