Liz Carmouche, known as “Girl-Rilla,” is a prominent figure in mixed martial arts (MMA).
With a career spanning over a decade, she has competed in some of the most prestigious MMA organizations, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA.
This article will teach Liz Carmouche’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Liz Carmouche’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Marie Carmouche |
| Nickname | Girl-Rilla |
| Birthdate | February 19, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Lafayette, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Lebanese, Irish, Cajun French |
| Residence | San Diego, California, USA |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) |
| Reach | 66″ (1.68 m) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Brae Chapman |
| Children | 1 son |
| Military Service | U.S. Marine Corps (5 years, aviation electrician, 3 tours in the Middle East) |
| Education | Okinawa Christian School International (graduated in 2003), San Diego City College (studying Kinesiology) |
Born on February 19, 1984, in Lafayette, Louisiana, she grew up in Okinawa, Japan, where she attended Okinawa Christian School International.
UFC Career
Liz Carmouche’s MMA career began in 2010, but she gained significant attention when she competed in the UFC’s first-ever women’s MMA match.
On February 23, 2013, she faced Ronda Rousey for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 157.
Although she lost the fight, this bout marked a historic moment for women’s MMA. At the time of her departure from the UFC, she was ranked #4 in the women’s flyweight division.
MMA Career
In December 2019, Carmouche signed with Bellator MMA. Her debut was scheduled for May 29, 2020, against Mandy Böhm, but the bout was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She eventually made her Bellator debut against DeAnna Bennett on September 12, 2020, winning the fight via third-round submission.
Her most significant achievement came when she became the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion by defeating Juliana Velasquez.
Spouse
Liz Carmouche is married to her wife, Brae Chapman. They met around a decade ago and lived together on a farm.
The couple has a son together.
Liz Carmouche’s Net Worth Details
Liz Carmouche’s net worth is estimated to be $80,000 as of 2025.
Contract
- Current Promotion: Liz Carmouche is signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and holds the title of Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Championship.
- Previous UFC Contract: Carmouche was released from the UFC in December 2019 after more than 6 years with the promotion. She had signed a new contract shortly before her release.
- Bellator Contract: After leaving the UFC, Carmouche signed a multiyear, multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Date | Purse Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 157 | Ronda Rousey | February 23, 2013 | $574,720 (Rousey’s payout, not Carmouche’s) | Loss |
| UFC Fight Night 123 | Alexis Davis | December 9, 2017 | Not specified | Loss |
| UFC Fight Night 133 | Jennifer Maia | July 14, 2018 | Not specified | Win |
| UFC Fight Night 145 | Lucie Pudilová | February 23, 2019 | Not specified | Win |
| UFC Fight Night 156 | Valentina Shevchenko | August 10, 2019 | Not specified | Loss |
| Bellator 300 | Ilima-Lei Macfarlane | October 7, 2023 | $150,000 | Win |
| PFL 1 | Juliana Velasquez | April 4, 2024 | Not specified | Win |
| PFL 4 | Kana Watanabe | June 13, 2024 | Not specified | Win |
| PFL 7 | Taila Santos | August 2, 2024 | 20% of purse deducted due to missing weight |
Endorsements
- Medical Marijuana Inc.: Carmouche is an advocate for the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil and serves as a spokesperson for Medical Marijuana Inc.
- General Promotional Activities: While specific endorsement deals are not detailed, Carmouche has been involved in various promotional activities for the UFC and Bellator, leveraging her profile to support these organizations
Fight Stats
| Opponent | Event | Date | Result | Method | Round | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronda Rousey | UFC 157 | February 23, 2013 | Loss | Submission (armbar) | 1 | 4:49 | Anaheim, California, USA |
| Marloes Coenen | Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson | March 5, 2011 | Loss | Submission (triangle choke) | 4 | 1:29 | Columbus, Ohio, USA |
| Sarah Kaufman | Strikeforce Challengers: Voelker vs. Bowling III | July 22, 2011 | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Ashleigh Curry | Invicta FC 1 | April 28, 2012 | Win | TKO (punches) | 1 | 1:58 | Kansas City, Kansas, USA |
| Kaitlin Young | Invicta FC 2 | July 28, 2012 | Win | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 2 | 3:34 | Kansas City, Kansas, USA |
| Jessica Andrade | UFC on FOX 8 | July 27, 2013 | Loss | TKO (punches) | 2 | 3:57 | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Alexis Davis | UFC 175 | June 14, 2014 | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Lauren Murphy | UFC Fight Night 63 | April 4, 2015 | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Fairfax, Virginia, USA |
| Kaitlin Chookagian | UFC 205 | November 12, 2016 | Loss | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, USA |
| Alexis Davis | UFC Fight Night 123 | December 9, 2017 | Loss | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 | Fresno, California, USA |
| Jennifer Maia | UFC Fight Night 133 | July 14, 2018 | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Boise, Idaho, USA |
| Lucie Pudilová | UFC Fight Night 145 | February 23, 2019 | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Valentina Shevchenko | UFC Fight Night 156 | August 10, 2019 | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 | Montevideo, Uruguay |
| Juliana Velasquez | PFL 1 | April 4, 2024 | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Kana Watanabe | PFL 4 | June 13, 2024 | Win | Submission (armbar) | 3 | 2:39 | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Taila Santos | PFL 7 | August 2, 2024 | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
FAQs
1. What is Liz Carmouche’s nationality and which weight classes has she competed in?
Carmouche is an American mixed martial artist who fights in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, earning recognition for her strength, toughness, and experience across several top promotions.
2. When did Carmouche start her professional MMA career, and who are some of her notable opponents?
She began competing professionally in 2010 and has faced elite competition including Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, and Jessica Andrade in both the UFC and Bellator.
3. What are Carmouche’s significant achievements in her MMA career?
Carmouche became the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion, has fought for UFC and Strikeforce titles, and is regarded as a pioneer of women’s MMA for her role in historic main events.
4. What is Carmouche’s background before entering MMA, and how has it influenced her fighting style?
Carmouche served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and her military training is reflected in her disciplined approach, physical conditioning, and ability to grind out tough wins inside the cage.
5. What are Carmouche’s primary fighting strengths and skills?
Her game is built on powerful wrestling, ground-and-pound, clinch control, and stamina, making her a difficult matchup for both strikers and grapplers in high-level fights.
6. Has Carmouche been involved in any MMA or sports history milestones?
She fought in the first-ever UFC women’s bout, headlining UFC 157 against Ronda Rousey, and has continued to compete at a championship level for more than a decade.
7. How do coaches, teammates, and analysts describe Carmouche’s impact on the sport?
Coaches praise her work ethic and leadership, teammates recognize her mentoring and example, while analysts highlight her consistent top-ten presence and adaptability in a rapidly evolving sport.
8. What setbacks or challenges has Carmouche faced during her career?
She has suffered close decision losses in title fights and adjusted to changes in organizations, yet always rebounded with determination and new strategic improvements.
9. How is Carmouche viewed as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes in MMA?
Carmouche is openly lesbian and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, serving as one of the sport’s most visible and respected representatives for diversity and acceptance.
10. What are Carmouche’s ongoing goals and motivations as her MMA career continues?
She aims to defend her Bellator title, support up-and-coming fighters, serve as a role model for women and veterans, and further cement her legacy among MMA’s elite competitors.
