There was little surprise at seeing Liz Carmouche in the PFL World Tournament final on Friday. The former UFC title challenger and Bellator champion had been considered a lock to win the grand prix style tournament, though BJJ star Jena Bishop would have something to say about that in the PFL Charlotte co-main event.
The pair were also former training partners, adding a little twist to the women’s flyweight World Tournament final.
Carmouche, with vastly more MMA experience, circled outside early, forcing Bishop to chase her. Two minutes in, Bishop fired an overhand, changed levels, and moved in for a takedown, eating a right hand on her entry. Carmouche, back to the cage, fought off the attempt, and remained standing, at least for the time being, though Jena was able to secure a body lock.
Round two did see the pair go to the ground, but it was Carmouche who got on top. Bishop, a highly decorated jiu-jitsu talent, was not deterred, locking up an arm-bar off her back. Carmouche hoisted her up and slammed her, but Bishop didn’t let to. She transitioned to a triangle, and added elbows on top of that! Carmouche, however, refused to be put away and would escape, soon attempting a triangle on her own. It was back on the feet where she was able to do damage however, landing a standing elbow before Bishop tied things up with a clinch.
The next trip to the canvas saw Jena Bishop hunting a leg lock, but she didn’t have it. Returning to the feet, Carmouche would start teeing off, though the round was over moments later.
Round three started with a slightly slower pace, but that didn’t matter when Carmouche exploded halfway through the round. Carmouche tagged Bishop, who rolled over backwards off the crushing right hand. Carmouche stayed right on her, dropping hammerfists on the fallen Bishop until the ref waved things off!
With that, Liz Carmouche had the PFL World Tournament women’s flyweight championship, claiming a belt in a second major promotion, though it’s Dakota Ditcheva who will no doubt be in her sights next.
Official Result: Liz Carmouche def. Jena Bishop by TKO, Round 3, 2:56
