Liz Carmouche Bio
Liz Carmouche (born February 19, 1984) is an American mixed martial arts fighter currently competing in the women’s Flyweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). She is the 2025 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament Champion and the last Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion. Carmouche has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in both the Women’s Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions, where she was a championship challenger and ranked #4 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings at her departure.
Early Life and Background
Liz Carmouche was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and grew up in Okinawa, Japan. She is of Lebanese, Irish, and Cajun French descent. Carmouche graduated from Okinawa Christian School International in 2003. Before her professional MMA career, she served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation electrician, completing three tours of duty in the Middle East.
Her nickname, Girl-Rilla, reflects her muscular physique and strength. Carmouche currently resides in San Diego, California, where she trains with Team Hurricane Awesome and has studied kinesiology at San Diego City College.
Path to MMA
Carmouche began her professional mixed martial arts career in 2010. She quickly made a name for herself with early wins by knockout and submission. Her background in martial arts includes a black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and a yellow belt in American Kenpo, which contributed to her versatile fighting style. Carmouche transitioned from military service to MMA, leveraging her physical conditioning and discipline to advance rapidly in the sport.
Liz Carmouche Career
Early Career (2010–2011)
Liz Carmouche started her professional MMA career in 2010, securing her first three victories by knockout or submission. She made her Strikeforce debut in August 2010, winning a unanimous decision against Colleen Schneider. Later that year, she defeated Jan Finney via TKO in the third round. In 2011, Carmouche stepped in on short notice to challenge Marloes Coenen for the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship but lost via submission in the fourth round after a competitive fight.
She also faced Sarah Kaufman in 2011 but was defeated by unanimous decision. These early experiences against top competition helped Carmouche develop her skills and resilience in the cage.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2013–2019)
Liz Carmouche made history by competing in the first-ever women’s MMA match in the UFC at UFC 157 in 2013, challenging Ronda Rousey for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Although she lost by armbar in the first round, Carmouche earned recognition for her performance and toughness. She secured her first UFC win against Jéssica Andrade by TKO in 2013 and had notable bouts against fighters like Alexis Davis, Miesha Tate, and Lauren Murphy.
In 2019, Carmouche challenged Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship but was defeated by unanimous decision. She was the first openly lesbian fighter in the UFC and received praise for her openness. Carmouche left the UFC in late 2019 ranked fourth in the women’s flyweight division.
Bellator MMA Era (2019–2023)
Liz Carmouche signed with Bellator MMA in December 2019. She made her promotional debut in September 2020 with a submission win over DeAnna Bennett. Carmouche went on to defeat Vanessa Porto, Kana Watanabe, and Juliana Velasquez, capturing the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Championship in April 2022. She successfully defended the title multiple times, including rematches against Velasquez and Bennett, and a notable TKO victory over Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in 2023.
Professional Fighters League Era (2024–Present)
Carmouche debuted in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in April 2024, winning her first bout by unanimous decision. She continued her success with victories over Kana Watanabe and Ilara Joanne. Despite a loss in the 2024 semifinals, Carmouche returned strong in 2025, winning the PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament by knockout in the final against Jena Bishop, solidifying her status as a top competitor in the division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Liz Carmouche is known for her muscular strength, grappling expertise, and versatile striking. Her black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu complements her aggressive stand-up style, allowing her to control fights both on the feet and on the ground. Her resilience and conditioning are key assets, often enabling her to maintain pressure throughout bouts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carmouche made history by participating in the UFC’s first women’s fight and became the first openly lesbian UFC fighter. She has held world titles in Bellator and won the 2025 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament. Her career includes landmark fights against champions like Ronda Rousey and Valentina Shevchenko, and she remains a respected figure in women’s MMA.
Liz Carmouche Career Wins
Liz Carmouche has amassed 25 professional wins in mixed martial arts, including 11 by knockout, 2 by submission, and 6 by decision. Her victories span multiple top-tier organizations, showcasing her adaptability and skill across weight divisions.
Bellator MMA Highlights
In Bellator MMA, Carmouche captured the Women’s Flyweight World Championship and defended it successfully multiple times. Her wins over Juliana Velasquez and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane stand out as career highlights. She demonstrated finishing ability with submissions and knockouts, reinforcing her championship pedigree.
Other Wins & Performances
Before Bellator, Carmouche earned notable wins in Strikeforce, Invicta Fighting Championships, and the UFC. Her early career featured quick finishes and decisive victories that propelled her into the sport’s elite ranks.
Liz Carmouche Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Liz Carmouche is openly lesbian and has a son with her wife. She has a tattoo symbolizing the Chinese zodiac signs of her mother and sister. Carmouche serves as a spokesperson for Medical Marijuana Inc., advocating the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for athletes.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Liz Carmouche competed in the PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament, showcasing dominant performances throughout the season. She won her quarterfinal and semifinal bouts decisively, culminating in a knockout victory in the final to claim the tournament championship. Carmouche’s experience and skill were instrumental in her success, and she remains a key figure in the PFL’s women’s division with strong prospects for continued achievement.