Two-time UFC title challenger Liz Carmouche released from contract

Liz Carmouche is no longer under UFC contract.

Four months after a widely panned title fight against current flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko, Carmouche received her walking papers while in Washington, D.C., to promote UFC on ESPN 7, her manager Kyle Stolz told MMA Fighting following an initial report from ESPN.com.

One half of the first women’s fight in the UFC, Carmouche exits the promotion with a .500 winning percentage at 5-5, which includes a loss to former champ Ronda Rousey in their barrier-breaking bout at UFC 157.

The loss to Shevchenko snapped a two-fight winning streak and came on short notice in August at UFC Uruguay after top contender Katlyn Chookagian turned down a title shot, citing her pending wedding. Shevchenko roundly beat Carmouche over five rounds in a fight where Carmouche landed just 36 significant strikes, per UFC.com.

Carmouche, who defeated Shevchenko on the regional circuit before their UFC meeting, was not immediately available for comment.

The UFC has significantly trimmed its roster as 2019 nears its end, releasing 12 fighters from contract.

Following her loss to Shevchenko, Carmouche expressed disappointment with her performance and called for a trilogy bout.