The latest UFC Fight Night brought a thrilling lineup, but one standout moment from the prelims saw Ernesta Kareckaite secure her first UFC victory against Nicolle Caliari. For the Lithuanian prospect, it was a crucial milestone in her burgeoning career.
But what does this win mean for Kareckaite—and where does it position her in the ultra-competitive UFC flyweight division?
Bouncing Back After a False Start
Dubbed “Heavy-Handed” for her striking prowess, Kareckaite entered the UFC with an exciting résumé, built on gritty performances in King of Kings and Hexagone MMA. After acing her Contender Series test against Carli Judice, she earned a spot on the main roster.
Her debut, however, was anything but smooth sailing. Matched against fellow newcomer Dione Barbosa, Kareckaite struggled to find her rhythm and fell to a unanimous decision defeat. For a fighter with so much promise, it was a humbling initiation. More MMA training was clearly needed.
Redeeming the Second Opportunity
Every young UFC fighter knows the stakes: lose too often, and Dana White will stop calling. With her back against the wall, Kareckaite came out swinging in her second bout.
Her fight against Nicolle Caliari wasn’t the cleanest—at times, it devolved into a scrappy affair—but the Lithuanian’s superior striking shone through. By the final bell, two judges handed her the nod, and she walked out of the Apex with her first UFC win.
This victory, while not flawless, proved Kareckaite’s potential to adapt under pressure, keeping her MMA gloves up at all times.
What’s Next for Kareckaite?
Currently ranked 35th in the flyweight standings (via Tapology), Kareckaite must choose her next fight strategically. With the division stacked with talent, her climb won’t be easy.
Tereza Bledá
Just one spot below Kareckaite in the rankings is Tereza Bledá. The Czech fighter hasn’t seen action since pulling out of her UFC 305 fight in August, making her a prime candidate for a comeback bout.
At 7-1, Bledá offers a high-stakes challenge for both fighters. A victory here wouldn’t just keep Ernesta’s momentum going—it would signal that she belongs among the division’s rising elite.
Ariane Lipski da Silva
Known as the “Queen of Violence,” Ariane Lipski is at a crossroads after back-to-back losses. While this doesn’t bode well for her title aspirations, it makes her a dangerous opponent for a hungry prospect like Kareckaite.
For Ernesta, a win against Lipski could be career-defining. Not only would it elevate her into the top 15 UFC rankings, but it would also cement her reputation as a serious threat in the division.
The Road Ahead
Kareckaite’s win over Caliari was a significant first step, but her journey in the UFC flyweight division is only just beginning. Whether she targets a hungry contender like Bledá, or a dangerous name like Lipski, one thing is clear: Ernesta Kareckaite has the tools to make waves and positive UFC results.
Now it’s time to see if she can rise to the challenge and make some UFC news in the process.
doragon sports 