Carmouche Cuts Hair to Make Flyweight Limit Before PFL Title Fight in Chicago

Liz Carmouche shaves head to make weight for her PFL flyweight title fight against Jena Bishop, using electric clippers at the weigh-in to help hit the 125lb limit. The impromptu haircut, carried out by her team, left some bare spots, but Carmouche smiled and rubbed her head after successfully making weight.

Weigh-in details and immediate reaction

Carmouche, 42, turned to the clippers as a last-resort measure to address a difficult weight cut. Bishop, 40, also made weight, coming in just under the flyweight limit without needing a haircut. The weigh-in took place ahead of Friday’s main event in Chicago.

The haircut drew attention, but Carmouche’s focus remained on the scale. She made weight, ensuring the title fight proceeds as scheduled.

Rematch context and records

The bout is a rematch of a 2025 encounter that ended in a third-round knockout victory for Carmouche. Since debuting in the PFL in 2024, Carmouche has compiled a 6-1 record. A win on Friday would mark her 27th professional victory. Bishop, meanwhile, has fought eight times in the PFL, suffering three losses.

Carmouche, a former Bellator flyweight champion, made her MMA debut in 2010 and has competed in both the UFC and Bellator. Bishop has had mixed results in the PFL but will look to reverse the outcome of the previous meeting.

Why the flyweight cut is so taxing

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on Uncrowned, Carmouche described flyweight as a crazy cut. She pointed to increasing bone density as a factor in her weight gain, explaining that reducing calories does not change her body build. While she said 135lb would suit her body better, she prefers 125lb because of her performance level there.

The difficulty of the cut is tied to body composition rather than simply diet, according to Carmouche. Her decision to shave her head was a practical step to ensure she could compete in the division she feels performs best in.

No retirement plans, with Ditcheva in mind

Carmouche has no plans to retire. She said the only fight that makes sense as a first title defense is against Dakota Ditcheva, the British fighter currently recovering from surgery. Carmouche suggested March as a possible timeframe, giving Ditcheva time to heal. She also said a welcome-back fight for Ditcheva makes no sense.

For now, Carmouche’s immediate focus is Friday’s main event in Chicago, where she will aim to defend her title and extend her PFL record.