Carmouche edges Chookagian to win 1st UFC fight in NYC

The first female fighter to ever grace the Octagon was also the first to take New York City, and win.

Liz Carmouche rode her wrestling to earn a split decision and hand Katlyn Chookagian her first career loss to open UFC 205 on Saturday. "Girl-Rilla" - who challenged Ronda Rousey for the bantamweight title in the promotion's first women's fight at UFC 157 - landed a handful of takedowns and held her own in the striking exchanges with a technically proficient Chookagian, enough to sway a pair of judges and successfully end a 589-day layoff with her second straight W.

The 32-year-old nearly saw her efforts go for naught in Round 3, when Chookagian rocked her with a high kick square to the chin. Carmouche's wrestling instincts took over from there, as she desperately ground "Blonde Fighter" against the cage until her senses were fully restored.

Prior to nearly being finished, Carmouche showed a willingness to engage with Chookagian on her feet through the first two rounds, both of which she secured with some well-timed takedowns - and an effortlessly landed second-round slam among them.

As for Chookagian, the New Jersey native opted to work from range for most of the proceedings. And while she nearly stole the victory in the final frame, her uncharacteristic late-fight theatrics convinced only one judge to give her the nod, as she could not deter Carmouche from taking the fight wherever she pleased.

"Blonde Fighter" falls to an even 1-1 in the UFC.