After her first win in the UFC, we at Doragon Sports sat down with Ernesta Kareckaite. We spoke about the Lithuanian’s rise to the UFC, her time in Hexagone MMA, and her career in general—as she represents her country on the highest combat sports platform.
Q: What inspired you to start your MMA career?
Basically, I first wanted to learn how to protect myself and get stronger through training. The more I threw myself into training, the more I built a really good relationship with my coach—and that’s when I got serious about MMA.
Q: Is there any person who inspired you during the early days of your MMA career?
I love watching Jon Jones. He has all the top attributes in the cage and outside of it. His personality is infectious, and he believes in himself to win. I’d love to have his fight IQ! Although my coach is just as inspirational, I wouldn’t be here in the UFC without my coach.
Q: How is fighting in the UFC different from Hexagone MMA?
I have nothing but great memories from my time at Hexagone MMA. It’s a fantastic promotion with lots of good fighters. The UFC has the appeal of attracting the best fighters in the world. I am glad I can say I have fought in both.
Q: How does it feel to represent Lithuania in the UFC?
It’s such an honour—a great honour. MMA is growing in popularity in Lithuania at a great speed, too. Every time, I love carrying the Lithuanian flag, both metaphorically and literally, into the octagon.
Q: How did stepping into the UFC Octagon for the first time?
It was an amazing experience. The crowd in Rio de Janeiro was enchanting on the night, and it was fantastic to walk in and be acknowledged for the hard work I had put in and for the journey that my coach and team had been on, too.
Q: What lessons did you learn from your UFC debut against Dione Barbosa?
I learnt a lot from that fight. It made me more hungry to train and be better.
Q: What was your mindset going into the fight with Nicolle Caliari?
I remained positive throughout the build-up to the fight. I knew I had the abilities and skills to execute my game plan in the fight.
Q: Did you change anything in your training for this fight?
Yes, but not for a specific reason. Each opponent and each fight require a bespoke training plan. I was able to train for this fight with great detail and get the win.
Q: How does it feel to get your first UFC win?
It was just amazing. My hard work paid off, and I was so happy to win.
Q: Who do you want to fight next in the UFC?
I haven’t fought about it too much! I want someone ranked a bit higher so I can challenge myself and move up the division.
Q: What are your goals in the UFC this year?
I want to fight, fight, and fight some more. I want to get as many fights as possible in 2025!
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of fighting?
I love nature! I am lucky to live in an area with many countryside and lakes. I often spend this time with my puppy, Rifas. He loves walking with me and even comes to the gym with me!
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