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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

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.

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.

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