Liz Carmouche, the American mixed martial artist, has carved a remarkable path in the world of MMA. Her journey to becoming the current Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion is a testament to her skill, determination, and perseverance
As Carmouche continues her reign as the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion, her future in MMA looks bright.
With each fight, she solidifies her legacy as one of the sport’s greats, inspiring fans and aspiring fighters alike.
Liz Carmouche’s journey from the UFC to becoming the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication.
Her story is one of perseverance and triumph, showcasing the true essence of a champion.
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Table of Contents
Liz Carmouche: Bio
The Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion
Liz Carmouche, born on February 19, 1984, is a renowned American mixed martial artist currently making waves in Bellator MMA.1
She holds the prestigious title of Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination in the sport.
Let’s delve into the journey of this remarkable fighter, from her early days to her current achievements.
Early Career and UFC Stint
Carmouche’s career in MMA began to flourish when she joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she competed in the Women’s Flyweight and Women’s Bantamweight divisions.
Her UFC debut was historic, as she participated in the first-ever women’s MMA match in the promotion’s history.
This groundbreaking fight took place at UFC 157, where she faced off against the legendary Ronda Rousey for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
— LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) December 3, 2023
Rise to Prominence and Championship Bouts
Carmouche’s tenacity and skill were evident throughout her UFC career, leading her to become a two-time title challenger.
Apart from her memorable bout against Rousey, she also challenged for the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship in August 2019, going up against Valentina Shevchenko.
These high-profile fights solidified Carmouche’s reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC women’s divisions.
Trailblazing Achievements and Recognition
Beyond her achievements in the octagon, Carmouche made history as the first openly lesbian fighter in the UFC.
Her courage in coming out was met with praise and support, with UFC president Dana White commending her for her bravery and authenticity.
Carmouche’s openness about her identity further cemented her status as a role model and trailblazer in the world of MMA.
Current Status and Bellator Success
Carmouche’s journey in MMA has taken her to Bellator MMA, where she continues to showcase her exceptional skills and determination.
Her current status as the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport.
Carmouche’s presence in Bellator adds a new dimension to the promotion’s already stacked roster, promising exciting matchups and memorable moments for fans worldwide.
Liz Carmouche’s journey in MMA is a testament to her resilience, skill, and trailblazing spirit.
From her historic UFC debut to her current reign as the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion, Carmouche has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and triumph, inspiring fans and fellow fighters alike.
Liz Carmouche: MMA Career
Liz Carmouche, a name synonymous with determination and skill, has carved a remarkable path in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).2
Her journey, marked by triumphs and challenges, serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters and fans alike.
Let’s delve into the highlights of her career, from the early days to her notable performances in Strikeforce, Invicta Fighting Championships, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Early Career: A Promising Start
Carmouche embarked on her professional MMA career in 2010, showcasing her prowess with three consecutive victories, all secured via knockout or submission. This impressive start laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the sport.
Strikeforce: Making Her Mark
In August 2010, Carmouche entered the Strikeforce arena at Strikeforce Challengers 10, competing in a reserve bout for the Women’s Welterweight tournament. She emerged victorious in her debut, defeating Colleen Schneider via unanimous decision.
Her journey in Strikeforce continued at Strikeforce Challengers 12, where she faced Jan Finney. Carmouche displayed her skills once again, securing a TKO victory in the third round.
A significant moment in Carmouche’s career came in 2011 when she stepped in on short notice to face the Women’s Bantamweight champion Marloes Coenen at Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson. Despite a valiant effort, Carmouche succumbed to a triangle choke in the fourth round.
Further challenges awaited Carmouche in Strikeforce, including a bout against Sarah Kaufman at Strikeforce Challengers: Voelker vs. Bowling III, where she faced defeat via unanimous decision.
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Invicta Fighting Championships: Rising to Prominence
Transitioning to Invicta Fighting Championships, Carmouche continued to showcase her skills. She secured a victory against Ashleigh Curry at Invicta FC 1 via TKO in the first round.
This was followed by another impressive win against Kaitlin Young at Invicta FC 2, where she secured a submission victory via rear-naked choke in the second round.
Ultimate Fighting Championship: A New Chapter
- Carmouche’s entry into the UFC marked a significant milestone in her career. At UFC 157, she faced Ronda Rousey for the inaugural UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
- While Carmouche displayed resilience, Rousey secured a victory via armbar in the first round.
- Her journey in the UFC continued with notable fights against fighters like Miesha Tate, Jéssica Andrade, and Alexis Davis. Carmouche displayed her versatility and determination in these matchups, showcasing her evolving skill set.
- In a co-main event at UFC on Fox 11, Carmouche faced Tate once again, engaging in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately ended in defeat via unanimous decision.
- Carmouche’s UFC journey continued with a victory against Lauren Murphy at UFC Fight Night 63, followed by a split decision win against Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 205.
- Liz Carmouche’s MMA career is a testament to her resilience, skill, and unwavering determination. Her journey, marked by highs and lows, has solidified her position as one of the sport’s notable figures.
- As she continues to evolve and face new challenges, her legacy in MMA remains an inspiration to fighters and fans worldwide.
Liz Carmouche: Private Life
Liz Carmouche, an accomplished mixed martial artist, is known not only for her skills in the octagon but also for her open and proud identity as a lesbian.3
She shares a son with her wife, highlighting the importance of family in her life.
Family and Identity
Carmouche’s tattoo on her left side holds deep meaning, as it represents the Chinese zodiac symbols of her mother and sister.
This tattoo serves as a constant reminder of her roots and the strong bonds she shares with her family.
Advocacy for CBD Therapeutic Benefits
Beyond her achievements in martial arts, Carmouche is also recognized for her advocacy work. She serves as the spokesperson for Medical Marijuana Inc., specifically focusing on the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for athletes.
Her advocacy sheds light on alternative treatments and wellness practices in the sports world.
Liz Carmouche’s personal life reflects her values of inclusivity, family, and advocacy. Her openness about her identity and her commitment to advocating for CBD’s benefits showcase her as not only a skilled athlete but also a compassionate advocate for change.
Liz Carmouche Seizes Opportunity in PFL to Add Another Title to Her Collection
Liz Carmouche is no stranger to challenges, especially when it comes to stepping into the cage. A former UFC title challenger and the current Bellator women’s flyweight champion, Carmouche (20-7) is always seeking new ways to elevate her career.
When the Professional Fighters League (PFL) offered her the chance to compete for a title in a second organization, Carmouche didn’t hesitate to accept.
Embracing a New Challenge with PFL
The opportunity for Carmouche arose when PFL decided to expand its roster to include a women’s 125-pound division for the upcoming season.
This move came after PFL acquired Bellator, leaving Carmouche’s future somewhat uncertain. However, the decision to drop the previous women’s featherweight division and introduce the 125-pound class opened the door for Carmouche to make her mark in PFL.
“I wouldn’t say that I chose (fighting in PFL next over Bellator),” Carmouche shared with MMA Junkie Radio. “I would say that they said, ‘Here’s an opportunity, it’s a great opportunity.’ T
hey didn’t know what they were going to be doing with the females outside of this tournament, and to me it was a no-brainer.”
Pursuing the $1 Million Prize
One of the main draws for Carmouche was the chance to compete for a significant prize purse. With a $1 million prize on the line, Carmouche saw this as an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “To have a belt in another organization, to work for $1 million?
That’s the most women ever get. So I would be stupid to have not gone for it,” Carmouche explained.
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A Familiar Foe Awaits
Carmouche’s journey in PFL begins with a familiar face across the cage. She will face Juliana Velasquez (12-2) in the regular season opener at 2024 PFL 1.
Velasquez is a fighter Carmouche knows well, having defeated her for the Bellator belt in April 2022. Carmouche then successfully defended the title against Velasquez in a rematch in December 2022.
As Carmouche prepares to step into the PFL cage, she does so with the same determination and drive that has defined her career.
With a chance to add another title to her collection and pursue the $1 million prize, Carmouche is ready to make her mark in PFL and continue to cement her legacy as one of the top fighters in women’s MMA.
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