Former UFC title challenger Liz Carmouche signs with Bellator

Liz Carmouche has a new home with one of her best friends, Bellator champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane.

Former two-time UFC title challenger [autotag]Liz Carmouche[/autotag] has joined the Bellator roster.

Company president Scott Coker on Friday revealed to MMA Junkie during a media scrum in Hawaii that Carmouche (13-7 MM, 0-0 BMMA) has signed an exclusive contract with Bellator following her release from the UFC this month.

A date and opponent for Carmouche’s debut have yet to be announced. However, Coker said a women’s flyweight tournament is potentially in the plans for 2020, and Carmouche would be a candidate to fit into the field.

Carmouche, who fought for UFC titles at 125 and 135 pounds, had her nearly seven-year octagon tenure come to an unceremonious end. She was informed of her UFC release while doing promotional activities at UFC on ESPN 7 in Washington D.C.

After the news came out, Carmouche’s good friend and longtime training partner Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Bellator’s flyweight champion, told MMA Junkie she hopes Carmouche joins her under the Bellator banner.

Now she gets her wish.

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