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Liz Carmouche, a seasoned 29-fight veteran, faced an unprecedented challenge at the official weigh-ins for PFL 7. For the first time in her career, Carmouche missed weight, tipping the scales at 127 pounds—one pound over the limit for her flyweight tournament semifinal against Taila Santos. Despite the allowance of an extra pound for non-title bouts, Carmouche's weight misstep comes with significant repercussions.
As a result of this oversight, Carmouche forfeits 20 percent of her purse and starts Friday's main card opener with a 1-point penalty on the scorecards. The stakes couldn't be higher as the bout against Santos determines one half of the finals, with a tournament crown and a $1,000,000 prize on the line.
Carmouche's career has been illustrious. Known as "Girl-Rilla," she has competed at both 135 and 125 pounds. She challenged Ronda Rousey in the first women’s fight in UFC history and claimed Bellator’s flyweight championship in 2022. Missing weight is a first for Carmouche, who took to Instagram to explain her predicament.
“I am truly sorry to my family, friends, fans, and opponent for missing weight,” Carmouche wrote.
“In my 30 fights, I have never been over. This cut was going as usual. I’m due to start my period on Saturday, which sent my weight up a little on Tuesday. I still thought I was within a good range, but I was wrong. For some reason, my body stopped sweating a pound over. My coaches and I tried to keep cutting, but there was nothing left to drop. All I can do now is put on the fight you all have been looking forward to. Taila Santos is a game opponent, and I know you guys won’t be disappointed in our performances.”
Despite this hiccup, Santos successfully made weight at 125.2 pounds, setting the stage for an intense showdown. Meanwhile, in the other flyweight semifinal, undefeated Dakota Ditcheva faces Jena Bishop, with both fighters making weight for their co-main event encounter.
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