Liz Carmouche-MMA Trailblazer

The date, February 23, 2013, the place, The Honda Center, Anaheim, California. The night MMA fans will be talking about as a key moment in the UFC's history and a golden moment for the participants in the main event at UFC 157. Besides being a United States Marine as an aviation electrician who served 3 tours of duty in Iraq and a tough as nails fighter, "Girl-Rilla" has kicked down barriers in the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Although Liz was not the first WMMA fighter to fight on national television or the first WMMA fighter to headline a major MMA promotional card. Both of those honors go to Gina Carano. Liz is, however, the first openly gay fighter in the UFC, but just as important, she was the first ever WMMA fighter to step foot inside the Octagon. On July 27, 2013, Liz, (8-3, 0-1 in the UFC) will achieve another milestone in the UFC by competing in the first WMMA bout on FOX when she takes on Jessica Andrade (9-2, 0-0) in the UFC.

In the weeks leading up to UFC 157 we got to know Liz not just as a fighter, but also as the great person we have come to love. Her fighting style, her down-to-earth personality and the obvious determination ingrained in her from her years in the Marine Corps has earned her legions of fans. Her die-hard Lizbos and LizBros fans are some of the most loyal and MMA educated fans in the world of combat sports.

WMMA fighters like Liz Carmouche have literally had to fight for the respect they deserve. Personally, I am always inspired by these women and their will to succeed in a male dominated, Type-A personality world. Liz never accepts defeat in her personal life, in training or in the cage. MMA fans are witnessing a revolution in sports and Liz "Girl-Rilla" Carmouche is one not only worthy of our respect, she demands our respect. We must oblige. Thank you, Liz, for what you have helped WMMA accomplish. You are a true hero to many people around the world and we are proud to be your fans.

Have a good day and stay safe.

On Twitter @SavageRandy