Currently ranked #8 female fighter in the world Liz Carmouche checked in with Fight Hub TV as she shares her story of how she became a mixed martial artist, and her desire to fight Marloes Coenen.
FHTV: Talk to me about how you got your nickname The “Girl-Rilla” and who gave it to you?
LC: My coach Manny gave me the nickname as he has been appointed the official fighter name giver. I make some crazy faces when I train and I’ve been told that they look similar to a gorilla attacking. The nickname also ties into my physical strength.
FHTV: What branch of the military did you serve and how long?
LC: I was in the marine corps for 5 years and 4 months.
FHTV: How and why did you get into the sport of MMA?
LC: I had dibble dabbled in different martial arts as a child and remembered the discipline it offered and also how much it seemed to fit me. I also recalled however that it wasn’t as physically demanding as I prefer. MMA seemed to be the closest fit.
FHTV: Where do you train at and who are you’re training partners? Do you train with mostly men and women and talk to me about the benefit of having both?
LC: I train at San Diego Combat Academy. I’ve been fortunate to train with Matt Fort, Alex Soto, Mike DeLatorre, Walel Watson, and Kevin Dunsmore. I do train with men mostly. Most of the guys outweigh me so the weight difference helps me build strength.
FHTV: You’ve done amazing so far in the sport, what do you give credit for your success?
LC: My team. My main MMA trainer Manolo Hernandez has pushed me and never doubted my possibilities. Ryan Johnson got my foot in the door and has kept me there with encouragement every step of the way. Whether it be a training partner or one of the trainers everyone has taken time to work
with me and push me to new levels.
FHTV: What do you think is holding back Women’s MMA from going mainstream like men’s mma?
LC: I think societies view of women has come along way, but still has a long way to go. Similar to most people’s inability to accept women on the front line of war, people are not yet ready to see women beating each other up.
FHTV: If you could secure one fight for yourself right now, who would it be against.?
LC: Marloes Coenen currently holds the 135lb title belt in Strikeforce so I think it’s safe to say that’s the fight I’m presently the most interested in working towards.
FHTV: I have to know what it feels like to retire another fighter?
LC: Honestly for me it’s kind of disappointing. I’ve felt like I had so much more skill to demonstrate on my part. While it’s rewarding to overcome the challenge of a difficult opponent, seeing the look of defeat in another athletes eye is a little hard to endure.
FHTV: What is your favorite part of the sport, and what do you dislike about the sport?
LC: My favorite part is the people. MMA brings in such great people. Most people view fighters as just that a fighter, but they’re more than that.
FHTV: When we can see you fight next?
LC: I hope soon. I’m getting antsy waiting for my next one.
FHTV: Any friends/family or sponsors you want to shout out?
LC: Absolutely. My mom and girlfriend for the endless support they’ve both offered me. Thanks to Luke Barker and Frank Salgado for always being willing to make the time to help me out. And a many thanks to my sponsors AKIMMA, Guard Ya Grill, Dre Custom Graphics, 15Mag, Forty Thieves, and Sacred Savage and again a thanks to Manny Hernandez, Ryan Johnson, and everyone at San Diego Combat Academy.
