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UFC Signs First Openly Lesbian Fighter, Liz Carmouche

Liz “Girlrilla” Carmouche has become the first openly gay competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The 28-year-old mixed-martial artist and former marine signed with the UFC on Thursday.

“I thought, of all things, a male-dominated sport and a sport where you’re engaging in this physical combat, that I was definitely going to come across that,” she told MMAFighting.com in July. “I thought I’d come into contact with some stereotypical person who’s anti-homosexuality, whether it be men or women. But I found the opposite. All they care about is a good, quality person who’s a good training partner.”

Carmouche, whose fans haven taken to calling themselves “Lizbos,” has lined up a sparring partner: She and fellow bantamweight Ronda Rousey will be the first female headliners in a major bout at UFC 157 in February.

We’d wish Carmouche luck but anyone who can  survive Don’t Ask Don’t Tell can hold her own in the octagon.

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