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Ariane Lipski Opens PFL Run With Saturday Debut Against Sumiko Inaba

The switch signals a bet on PFL rankings to rebuild her flyweight title push.

Overview

  • Lipski faces Top 5 flyweight Sumiko Inaba in Pittsburgh on Saturday at the UPMC Events Center in her first fight since last summer.
  • She says a benign pituitary tumor found during her UFC 316 camp contributed to a failed weight cut and a dip in form before her release.
  • After nine months out, she reports healing, renewed drive, and a training shift that put extra time into grappling.
  • Released from the UFC after a three-fight skid that left her 6-8 there, she briefly weighed retirement before signing with the PFL.
  • She views the PFL’s fixed divisions and rankings as a clearer ladder toward a vacant flyweight title and expects Inaba to mix in takedowns despite her striking base.