Liz Carmouche fought in the UFC’s first women’s bout in 2013. Now she is chasing another first. On Friday, Oct. 16, the former Marine faces Jena Bishop for the inaugural PFL Women’s Flyweight World Championship at PFL Chicago.

Carmouche (26-8), ranked No. 2, headlines the card at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Bishop (11-3), ranked No. 4, stands across the cage. The two met in the 2025 tournament final, which Carmouche won.

Liz Carmouche vs. Jena Bishop: A Title Fight Built on History

Carmouche, nicknamed “Girl-Rilla,” is a pioneer of women’s MMA. She is a former Bellator champion and the 2025 PFL World Tournament champion. She also served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

She has won 13 of her last 14 bouts. That run carries her into Chicago with momentum and a chance to add another first to her career.

Bishop is an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and an ADCC veteran. Submissions are her specialty. She has earned back-to-back first-round submissions since the pair met in the 2025 final.

PFL Chicago Fight Card: Date, Start Time and How to Watch

PFL Chicago takes place Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The main card starts at 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT). It airs live in the U.S. on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

The early card begins at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) on the ESPN App. Fans need access to the ESPN Unlimited plan to watch it. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Undefeated Timur Khizriev (18-0) returns in the co-main event after a lengthy recovery from an armed attack and a broken hand, according to the PFL. He faces Gabriel Braga (17-3) in a rematch of their split decision.

Bantamweight Sarvarjon Khamidov (17-1) meets Rafael do Nascimento (13-2). At welterweight, Oualy Tandia (5-0) faces JP Saint Louis (12-5). Emiliano Sordi (26-14-1) opens the main card against Abraham Bably (8-3) at light heavyweight.