The MMA community mourns the loss of 21-year-old competitor Shalie Lipp. She tragically passed away on Sunday in a multi-vehicle accident near Moorhead, MN. Lipp’s death came as a shock to many, as she was considered one of the most promising female MMA prospects in the Midwest.
According to Minnesota police, Lipp was traveling as a passenger in a 2015 Chevy Malibu. The vehicle collided with another car on the Red River Bridge, which borders North Dakota. The crash claimed Lipp’s life, making her the only casualty in the incident. The investigation revealed that Lipp was the only one not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Numerous fans regarded the 21-year-old Lipp as one of the most promising female MMA prospects. On May 20, she was supposed to make a comeback to the ring to face Natalie Gauge at No Mercy 11.
Lipp had accumulated a 3-2 amateur MMA record with appearances in Compass Fight Series and OFC. Her first two amateur bouts resulted in victories, but she suffered a defeat at the hands of Cheyanne Bowers in March 2022. Despite the loss, Lipp’s talent and potential were undeniable.
Promoter Jeremy Bjornberg recently shared his views on Lipp’s terrible loss in an interview with MyMMANews. He said: “She had an amazing work ethic she had only been back a few days from a month of training in Thailand.”
He continued: “At 19 years old, she started fighting the top fighters in the Midwest.… She was someone everyone knew was going to go somewhere and end up in the UFC.”
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and it’s unclear whether authorities have concluded that alcohol or other stuff had a role in the collision.