Liz Carmouche

Liz Carmouche (born February 19, 1984, in Lafayette, Louisiana) is a pioneering American mixed martial artist competing in the flyweight division of Bellator MMA, and formerly in UFC and Strikeforce MMA Fighting+15+15A-Z Quotes+15. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviation electrician, she served three tours in the Iraq War, bringing resilience and discipline into her fighting career +6+6The Sun+6. Known by the nickname “Girl‑Rilla”, she combines strength and technical skill, holding a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and a yellow belt in Kenpo +7+7Tapology+7.

In 2013, Liz Carmouche made history by facing Ronda Rousey in the first-ever women’s fight in UFC history at UFC 157, a landmark moment that helped mainstream women’s MMA BrainyQuote+15+15MMA Fighting+15. She later became the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion, winning the title in April 2022 and defending it successfully in multiple bouts—including against Kana Watanabe and Juliana Velasquez Tapology+7+7The Sun+7. Her journey reflects not only competitive excellence but also a commitment to trailblazing visibility as one of the first openly lesbian fighters in major MMA promotions BrainyQuote.

Liz is celebrated for her grit, growth mindset, and candid reflections:

“I’m a fighter through and through. I don’t give up. I have a strong heart and I will push until there’s nothing left in me.” A-Z Quotes+1QuoteFancy+1

“You have to grow. If not you’re then living in regret and you’re living in the past and you’re not progressing forward. And I learned the mistakes that I made and they made me stronger.” A-Z Quotes+3A-Z Quotes+3QuoteFancy+3

Reflecting on her military and athletic journey: “If you’re prepared to risk your life in combat… fighting became just another mission where you gave it everything and you didn’t hold anything back.” (paraphrased from her post-fight reflections) womenwhofight.co.uk+2The Sun+2+2

Let me know if you'd like more quotes or a version focused on her advocacy, training philosophies, or historic fights!