LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 27: Karine Silva of Brazil defeats Ariane da Silva of Brazil in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ill punch the. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Ariane da Silva (née Lipski) returned at UFC Vegas 91, taking on former teammate and fellow Brazilian Karine Silva, not only with a new name but also a new nickname.
Da Silva actually got married in 2019, but due to a paperwork logjam with the U.S. government, he only recently received permission to use his married name. As for her nickname, she went from “Queen of Violence” to simply “Queen.” She attributes this to her renewed belief during UFC Vegas 91 media day.
New name or not, Ariane da Silva was dangerous on Saturday, holding center early, catching Karine Silva’s kick and chopping it to her opponent’s legs. Karine remained upright and secured a takedown from a bodylock about 90 seconds later, landing on top. Silva immediately tried to land an elbow, but she forced Da Silva to retreat, but was unable to scramble up when she had the chance.
Karine Silva then moved to side control and went for a north-south choke, threatening mount before Arians regained half guard. Da Silva may have had a questionable kick as he scrambled to his feet, but Silva didn’t look too bad for the wear. This time Ariane stood and Karine lay on her back. Da Silva chose to work inside Karine Silva’s dangerous guard and come out on top.
In the second round, kicks were exchanged between Silva and da Silva, with Aryan going high and nearly catching the head. Karine Silva then caught a kick and used it to transition into a backtake that quickly ended the match. Karine was able to get on top and Silva stayed in half guard. Eventually, despite Silva’s strong top game, Aryan grabbed his leg and locked in a heel hook. Although she didn’t finish, she used submissions to try and escape.
In the final moments of the second round, Karine Silva brings “The Queen” back. Da Silva defended with an elbow and kneebar attempt.
Karine Silva also proved to be a problem in the third round. They will hit the mat. Da Silva escaped, but Karine was eventually taken back to the fence. On the feet, there was a lot of kicking and very few throwing techniques. Da Silva kicked high but she was locked in again, but she would have to put something together as the match progressed. She finally succeeded, firing off a few hooks before Silva clinched, leading to another takedown on Karine. She was on guard with just over a minute left, and this takedown likely ended the fight.
Official result: Karine Silva def. Ariane da Silva unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
