Ilara Joanne, who began her MMA career inspired by watching Liz Carmouche’s historic UFC debut against Ronda Rousey, is now set to face Carmouche in a PFL co-headliner, marking a significant milestone in her journey from an aspiring fighter to competing for a $500,000 prize.
Ilara Joanne was just 18 and practicing Muay Thai in Fortaleza, Brazil, when Liz Carmouche faced off against the legendary Ronda Rousey. That was back in 2013, marking the UFC’s first-ever female fight. Fast forward more than a decade, and Joanne finds herself stepping into the cage to face the seasoned PFL and Bellator veteran.
Carmouche vs. Joanne is set to co-headline PFL 2 on April 10 in Orlando, Florida. Both fighters are eyeing advancement in the 2025 flyweight tournament. For Joanne, competing for a $500,000 prize is surreal—especially considering she earned less than $200 for her first MMA win shortly after Rousey vs. Carmouche made history.
“I had no idea how big the MMA world was,” Joanne confessed to MMA Fighting about her pro debut. She didn’t realize making money from fighting was possible until that moment. Watching Rousey vs. Carmouche opened her eyes; it was then she knew this could be her livelihood.
Facing Carmouche is an honor for Joanne. “I watched her first fight on TV with Ronda,” she said, never imagining she’d one day face such a pioneering figure in the sport. But now, she’s ready to make her mark by beating Carmouche.
Joanne began her Muay Thai journey at age 10 and later got hooked on MMA, inspired by Cris Cyborg’s success in Strikeforce. Yet, she didn’t see MMA as a career until she faced future UFC fighter Viviane Pereira in her debut—a fight she lost by knockout in the second round.
Despite early setbacks, Joanne won eight of her next ten fights, earning a Bellator contract. There, alongside teammates like Patricio Pitbull and Leandro Higo, she defeated notable opponents like Alejandra Lara and Bec Rawlings. Now with PFL, she’s embracing the new tournament format, leaving behind the point system for a grand prix style.
“I like the new rules,” Joanne remarked. Without the pressure of needing quick finishes to advance, she’s more relaxed and focused on simply winning fights—even if they go the distance.
Carmouche boasts an impeccable Bellator record with seven victories, six by stoppage. Her PFL journey started strong with a win over Kana Watanabe but hit a snag with a loss to Taila Santos. Now she’s eager to reclaim momentum towards the belt.
“Almost every opponent feared her grappling,” Joanne noted confidently. But that’s precisely where she feels at home—unafraid and prepared to grapple or strike as needed.