Liz Carmouche's MMA Journey: From Semper Fi To Strikeforce

This Friday, July 22nd, fast-rising contender Liz Carmouche takes on former Strikeforce women's 135lbs champion Sarah Kaufmann live on Showtime as part of the Strikeforce Challengers 17 fight card. Carmouche, while coming off of a loss against champion Marloes Coenen, made a significant impact by dominating the champion for more than three rounds before succumbing to a triangle choke at Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson. When one also factors in Carmouche accepted that fight on short notice, the performance becomes particularly exemplary.

Carmouche looks to rebound Friday, but faces a tall task in Kaufmann. In this exclusive interview from MMA Nation on 106.7 The Fan, Carmouche discusses her opponent, where she is in her career in addition to the following:

• Her background in the U.S. Marine Corps, doing three tours in Iraq, her M.O.S. (military occupational specialty) and how her exposure to the Marine Corps martial arts program piqued her eventual interest in MMA.
• Her initial hesitancy to even dip her toes into MMA waters and how she didn't really realize mixed martial arts was something she could pursue until she completed her first pro fight.
• Her surprise at how well she performed in her loss to Strikeforce women's 135lbs champion Marloes Coenen. Carmouche also talks how much physically stronger she felt than Coenen and what she saw in her own game when she went back and watched the fight on tape.
• Her views on the future of women's MMA and why she's confident it will be healthy as time progresses.
• Why, regrettably, sex appeal is required for full success in mixed martial arts.
• How she views opponent Sarah Kaufman, her strengths, weaknesses, etc.
• Why Gina Carano's participation in MMA is essential for women's MMA.

Full audio below: