Ex-UFC vet and former KSW champ retires from MMA with PFL San Diego loss

A former UFC standout who transitioned to the PFL is calling it a day after sustaining a defeat over the weekend in relatively short order.

Ariane Lipski da Silva is the combatant being referenced. She suffered a setback to Jena Bishop by way of a first-round armbar at PFL San Diego. The loss to the 2025 PFL tournament finalist is apparently the last contest for the former KSW titleholder, as da Silva announced she was hanging up the gloves on social media

Retirement talk is nothing new for da Silva, who contemplated halting her competitive days as a mixed martial arts artist after a fourteen-fight UFC run wrapped up. The Brazilian combatant would ultimately enter the PFL Smart Cage to garner a win over Sumiko Inaba earlier this year. This transpired before encountering this Bishop setback in her sophomore contest with the PFL. The Bishop defeat puts her promotion-specific record at 1-1.

UFC and PFL star Ariane Lipski da Silva: “my best may not have been enough”

Leaving the sport with a professional ledger of 18-12, the former UFC talent mentioned her intentions to ride off into the sunset via her personal Instagram page. The full statement in the wake of her June 27th setback saw da Silva express,

“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.”