Unbelievable! Friday night in Chicago, Jena Bishop pulled off the upset by claiming the vacant PFL women’s flyweight title against a tough opponent: Liz Carmouche. Despite a KO loss in 2023, Bishop bounced back with a controlled performance, capitalizing on Carmouche’s fatigue to win on points.
From the opening seconds, the fight delivered intense moments. Carmouche, 42, came out swinging with an explosive first round, but her pace quickly dropped. Bishop, 31, adjusted her strategy, dominating the exchanges and seizing openings to score decisive points. The judges’ unanimous decision (48-47) confirmed her dominance, marking a turning point in her career.
A New Era for PFL Women’s Flyweights
With this victory, Bishop makes history as the third champion in the division since its creation in 2022, following Kayla Harrison and Claressa Shields. Her journey, full of twists and turns, cements her status as a dangerous underdog. A performance reminiscent of Valentina Shevchenko in 2021, where Carmouche was also forced to accept defeat after a promising start.
For Carmouche, despite a valiant effort, the veteran couldn’t avoid the fatigue factor. An outcome that raises questions about the division’s future and the challenges ahead for title contenders.
What’s Next? A Rematch Already on the Horizon
Bishop’s journey doesn’t end here. A rematch against Dakota Ditcheva is already scheduled for 2027, promising a new chapter in this budding rivalry. In the meantime, the PFL can celebrate having a new charismatic champion ready to write the next chapter of this story.