Liz Carmouche might just be the early favorite to take home the PFL World Tournament crown thanks to her years of championship-level experience in MMA. Carmouche has won 22 of her 30 career MMA fights, which includes a 7-0 Bellator record and includes a women’s flyweight title win over Juliana Velasquez and retaining that belt against Velasquez, DeAnna Bennett and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Carmouche competed in last year’s women’s flyweight season, defeating Velasquez and Kana Watanabe during the regular season before a loss to Taila Santos in the semifinals.

 

Having been trained by the Pitbull brothers, Ilara Joanne has had a solid MMA foundation since her professional debut in 2013. Joanne has scored seven finishes in her 12 victories entering tonight and went 3-4 in Bellator. Joanne also fought in last year’s women’s flyweight season, losing to Taila Santos and defeating Shanna Young.

 

One more women’s flyweight semifinal spot is on the line in tonight’s co-main event bout!

 

 

Round 1

 

Joanne flashes the jab early. Right hand stumbles Joanne. Carmouche rushes forward and tries to tee off. Joanne recovers and presses Carmouche into the fence. Carmouche continues to punch away. She reverses the position. Carmouche attacks the body, landing right hands to the liver, and Joanne is hurt! Carmouche continues to pound away. Knee by Carmouche! Left hands! Joanne advances position, but Carmouche continues to rain down blows! The fight is over!

 

 

So quickly, Liz Carmouche is back in the semifinals!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Liz Carmouche def. Ilara Joanne via first-round TKO (punches, 1:25)

 

Carmouche will face Elora Dana in the Semifinals.