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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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By: Dan Avery
On: Dec 9, 2012
Tagged: fighting, Liz Carmouche, Liz Carmouche First Lesbian UFC, mixed martial arts, mma, Ronda Rousey, Sports, ufc

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4 Comments

No. 1 · Tracy
These female MMA competitors are fabulous: Gina Carano, Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, etc.

Dec 9, 2012 at 2:04 pm · @Reply ·
No. 2 · 2eo
@Tracy: Agreed, I’m also glad that the female fighters aren’t there simply to take the piss or be a side show attraction filling a quota. They are there because they are damn good at MMA.

Dec 9, 2012 at 3:07 pm · @Reply ·
No. 3 · Brian
Why is Liz Cartouche agreeing to be a part of an organization that contains homophobes? I wonder if she’s one of these Uncle Tom lesbians.

Dec 10, 2012 at 4:43 am · @Reply ·
No. 4 · NoelG
@Brian: Every organization contains homophobes. The UFC and Dana White have taken a definite pro-gay stance.
Yes, Dana did use the word fag or faggot once but he has called that the single worst mistake he’s ever made.
There are gay male fighters in the UFC right now. Hiring Liz is a strong endorsement for the fact that Dana White and the UFC want fighters regardless of orientation.
There are things I don’t like about Dana White and the UFC but their stance on gay
rights is not one of them.

Dec 10, 2012 at 8:40 pm · @Reply ·