November 24, 2022

4 min. to read

An Interview with Liz Carmouche, Martial Artist

Hello everyone! Today our guest is Liz Carmouche, an American Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Bellator MMA.

Liz started her MMA career in 2010 by winning her first three fights. Additionally, her debut in the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship against Ronda Rousey was the first-ever women’s MMA match in the UFC.

During her UFC career, she won five matches and also lost five matches. Furthermore, in 2019 she signed with Bellator MMA, and up till now, she won the three fights in which she fought. All in all, her total record in the MMA is 17 wins and seven losses.

Moreover, Liz has won the WMMA Press Awards Newcomer of the Year and still holds the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Championship title.

Her career is filled with awards and achievements, and I am sure you are excited to learn everything. Therefore, let’s start with this interview immediately.

Hello everyone! Today our guest is Liz Carmouche, an American Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Bellator MMA.

Moreover, Liz has won the WMMA Press Awards Newcomer of the Year and still holds the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Championship title.

Her career is filled with awards and achievements, and I am sure you are excited to learn everything. Therefore, let’s start with this interview immediately.

Tose Zafirov

Mr. Olympia Representative

Who Is Liz Carmouche?

Tose Zafirov:

Who is Liz Carmouche? Furthermore, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself, including your background, job, and how long you’ve been in the game?

Liz Carmouche:

I grew up in Okinawa, Japan. Additionally, I joined the marine corps at 20, and I served five years in the marine corps and did three combat tours to Iraq. After my enlistment in the marines, I began training and competing in MMA while simultaneously going to college full-time.

What Is Your Nutrition Plan?

Tose Zafirov:

What is your view on nutrition, and how would you describe your daily diet?

Liz Carmouche:

I tend to follow a strict nutritional plan. Moreover, I treat nutrition more as fuel for a machine taking into consideration the avoidance of high-inflammatory foods. Therefore, I try to stick to one cheat meal a week. I seem to eat more carbs than most athletes, but I also work out more than most needing the complex carbs to burn.

What Is Your Favorite Technique?

Tose Zafirov:

What’s your favorite strike/submission technique in fights? Do you like to stand with your opponents or knock them to the ground?

Liz Carmouche:

I really don’t have a preference for striking or being on the ground. However, I’ve had more finishes on the ground than standing. Also, I really like landing elbows.

What Makes A Winner?

Tose Zafirov:

What does it take to become a winner? Additionally, do you find it simple to accomplish any goals you set for yourself, and if so, how do you motivate yourself to do so?

Liz Carmouche:

It takes a lot of hard work to become a winner with mental fortitude. Therefore, I set high goals that are difficult to reach. Still, I motivate myself by setting small goals that lead to my bigger goals. When I want to take a break, I imagine that my opponents are training and working hard. As a result, that usually pushes me to get into gear and stop slacking.

Describe Your Typical Day

Tose Zafirov:

What does your typical day/week look like? Furthermore, what is your favorite part of training?

Liz Carmouche:

I typically start the day at 6 AM. First, I do meditation, slow-fasted cardio, and shadowboxing. Then, I usually train jiu-jitsu for an hour, followed by striking for MMA. Afterward, I’ll train judo/wrestling in the early afternoon and then do strength and conditioning.

My favorite part of training is learning something new—that moment when you’re trying something new, and it clicks.

What Is Your Biggest Achievement?

Tose Zafirov:

What is your greatest accomplishment? Also, what are your key strengths as a female fighter?

Liz Carmouche:

My biggest accomplishment at this point is staying true to who I am. As a result, I’ve made history in countless ways. Also, my biggest motivation is my family, and I think my biggest strength as a female fighter is my mental fortitude.

Who Is Your Idol And Dream Opponent?

Tose Zafirov:

Who is your idol or biggest inspiration, and how do you want to be remembered? Furthermore, who would you choose to fight in your ideal battle if you could choose anyone?

Liz Carmouche:

My biggest inspiration is my wife because she has overcome so much adversity in her life and still works to uplift the people around her.

If I could have one dream fight, it would be against Sara Mcmann. Above all, I really like who she is as a person and her work ethic, and it would make an exciting fight for fans.

How Do You Respond to Criticism?

Tose Zafirov:

You are the first public lesbian fighter in the UFC and the spokesperson for Medical Marijuana Inc. on the cannabidiol (CBD) therapeutic benefits for athletes. However, these topics are not covered enough in our society because people are not open-minded like some of us. Still, you dare to talk openly about that. Therefore, how do you handle the criticism?

Liz Carmouche:

I try not to listen. Honestly, I would say I avoid criticism. When it does occur, I remind myself that most people are trying to be hurtful and not empower them with a response.

How Did You Manage The Lockdowns?

Tose Zafirov:

Many people found 2020 as a significant challenge. Also, professionals struggled to maintain their shape. Therefore, how did you respond to the circumstances, particularly with the lockdowns?

Liz Carmouche:

2020 was really difficult. At the time, I worked in a gym on top of training at a gym. Suddenly, in California, all gyms were closed. Therefore, I had to get really creative with home workouts. I was also fortunate that my wife is also a fighter and was able to help me train at home.

What Is Your Message to The World?

Tose Zafirov:

What is your motto and message to the world and to all the women who want to choose this path?

Liz Carmouche:

I live by the idea that I am the only person that can set boundaries. So as long as I never set a cap on the possibility, I can achieve anything I set my sights on. Therefore, to women looking to choose the path, I would say be selfish and unwavering in your efforts to achieve your goals.

Final Words

Liz, thank you for your time and honesty. Also, it was a true pleasure to speak with you. I wish you all the best in the future, and I hope we will talk to each other again soon.

If you want to discover more details about Liz Carmouche’s life and career, visit her official Wikipedia page.

For more inspiring stories, feel free to check the Interviews page.

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