Ariane Lipski da Silva has officially retired from MMA after a first-round submission defeat to Jena Bishop this past Saturday at PFL San Diego, the Brazilian flyweight announced on social media.
“The Queen of Violence is done,” she wrote on Instagram.
Da Silva contemplated retirement after UFC release, she told MMA Fighting earlier this year, but changed her mind and ultimately fell in love with MMA again before inking a deal with PFL. “Queen of Violence” won a decision over Sumiko Inaba in her PFL debut in March, going 1-1 in the promotion.
“Officially retired from MMA,” the 32-year-old da Silva wrote. “Everything has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Yesterday was the last time I stepped into the cage, bringing to a close a journey of nearly 13 years as a professional MMA fighter, with the privilege of competing in the biggest organizations in the world.”
The former KSW flyweight champion walks away from the sport with a record of 18-12, 10 of those being finishes. Da Silva was victorious in six of 14 UFC appearances, including bonus-winning stoppages over Casey O’Neill and Luana Carolina.
Check her full statement below.
Officially retired from MMA.
Everything has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Yesterday was the last time I stepped into the cage, bringing to a close a journey of nearly 13 years as a professional MMA fighter, with the privilege of competing in the biggest organizations in the world.
I’m grateful for everything this sport has given me; for every opportunity, every lesson, and every door it opened along the way. I gave my best to help women’s MMA grow, even knowing that, at times, my best may not have been enough.
My hope is that I played a small part in creating more opportunities for the next generation. More importantly, I hope the young women who are just beginning understand that they don’t have to compromise their values to become champions. Honor should never be sacrificed, because the people we choose to honor are often the ones who help us go the farthest.
I’ve learned that defeat is painful. It’s bitter, but it shapes our character and prepares us for real life. I’ve also learned that victory is sweet and filled with joy, but it can deceive the heart of anyone who isn’t grounded in something greater.
To everyone who stood by me throughout this journey, supporting me, believing in me, and cheering for me regardless of the outcome.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The Queen of Violence is done.
Now, Ariane is ready for a new season of life.
My prayer is that, in every step ahead, the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified.
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