Liz Carmouche Triumphs at PFL Tournament with Son by Her Side, Making LGBTQ+ Sports History

In a display of athleticism, resilience, and representation, Liz Carmouche—an openly lesbian mixed martial artist and trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes—captured the 2025 Professional Fighters League (PFL) Women’s Flyweight World Tournament title on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carmouche, 41, delivered a technical knockout (TKO) against formidable opponent Jena Bishop in the third round, as her young son watched and cheered from the sidelines—a poignant moment that resonated far beyond the cage .

The decisive finishing sequence began midway through the third round, when Carmouche landed a crushing right hand that sent Bishop to the canvas. Seizing the moment, Carmouche followed with a flurry of hammerfists, forcing the referee to call an end to the contest at 2:56 of round three . With this victory, Carmouche not only added the PFL championship belt to her decorated resume—which includes titles in multiple major organizations—but also claimed a $500,000 prize .

The win holds special significance for the LGBTQ+ community. Carmouche has long been recognized as one of the first openly gay athletes in mixed martial arts, notably competing in the UFC’s inaugural women’s bout in 2013 and serving as a role model ever since . Her visibility and success continue to inspire LGBTQ+ athletes and fans, particularly as she celebrated her PFL triumph with her son present—a powerful message about inclusion, family, and pride.

While post-fight interviews focused on her call for a women’s bantamweight division and a potential superfight with Dakota Ditcheva, the emotional highlight for many was Carmouche’s heartfelt interaction with her son, underscoring the importance of family support and authentic self-expression .

Carmouche’s career is defined by a series of historic firsts. As an out lesbian athlete, she has consistently shattered stereotypes in a sport where LGBTQ+ representation remains limited. Her presence at the top of women’s MMA, combined with her advocacy for inclusivity, has made her a beacon for both LGBTQ+ youth and aspiring fighters .

Commentators and fans alike noted the significance of her achievement at age 41—an age when most fighters have retired—proving that authenticity, perseverance, and support can lead to extraordinary accomplishments .

Carmouche’s victory is the latest in a series of breakthroughs for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. Her openness about her identity and her embrace of her family life on the public stage provide much-needed visibility in a traditionally male-dominated and heteronormative arena .

Advocates point to moments like these as crucial for challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance within both the MMA community and sports at large. “Every time an LGBTQ+ athlete stands tall in their moment of triumph, it chips away at the barriers that have historically kept so many in the closet,” said a spokesperson for a national LGBTQ+ sports advocacy group .

Following her victory, Carmouche expressed interest in further expanding opportunities for women in PFL, advocating for the addition of a bantamweight division and issuing a respectful challenge to Dakota Ditcheva for a future superfight . Her continued leadership suggests that she will remain a prominent voice for both sport and the LGBTQ+ community in the years to come.

For now, Carmouche’s triumph is being celebrated as a milestone for LGBTQ+ inclusion in combat sports—a reminder that visibility, excellence, and family can coexist at the highest levels of achievement.