Carmouche and Joanne Ready for Historic Flyweight Clash

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two of mixed martial arts’ standout competitors, Liz Carmouche and Joanne Wood, are set to co-headline a significant event on April 10, 2025, at the PFL flyweight tournament. The match signifies more than just a fight; it is part of a quest for a $500,000 prize that highlights the growth of women’s MMA.

Joanne, who was only 18 when she made her UFC debut in the first-ever female fight, now enters this cage with a deeper understanding of the sport’s landscape and opportunities. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “I had no idea how big the MMA world was. I didn’t know it was possible to make money fighting in MMA…” She added, “It opened my eyes.”

As she prepares to face Carmouche, Joanne, now known as “Girl-Rilla,” expresses both excitement and gratitude for the chance to fight a pioneer of women’s MMA. “I’m honored to be fighting her. I watched her first fight on TV with Ronda, and never imagined that I would be facing the woman who has contributed so much to the sport,” she said. “Rest assured that I’m prepared to do my best and be part of history by beating her.”

Joanne began her martial arts journey in Muay Thai at just 10 years old. Though she initially pursued MMA with caution, a couple of setbacks ignited her passion, leading to a string of successes that eventually earned her a Bellator contract. There, she triumphed in three out of seven bouts and honed her skills among teammates who were establishing themselves in the competitive landscape.

Currently fighting for PFL, Joanne appreciates the organization’s change to a traditional grand prix format, which removes the pressure from a points system. “I like the new rules; we don’t have that pressure that you only advance if you get the finish in this amount of time,” she explained. “That could be good for me, to take the fight to the later rounds. The strategy can change as soon as the fight starts, but that change can be very positive for me.”

Carmouche comes into this bout with an impressive history, boasting a flawless record in Bellator with seven victories. However, after facing setbacks in her PFL debut, where she was forced to submit, she now seeks to regain momentum in her pursuit of the championship. “I think that almost every opponent she’s faced feared her grappling, but that’s my thing,” said Joanne. “I’m not afraid of her grappling. I’m prepared on the feet, I’ve evolved a lot since last year, but I’m even more prepared to grapple if needed be.”

This upcoming fight not only represents a pivotal moment for both athletes but also underscores the evolution of women’s roles in mixed martial arts.