Defeat is Not the End for Gina Carano
Posted by Dave Walsh on 17th August 2009
Gina Carano was handed her first loss in Mixed Martial Arts. We all saw it, and if you didn’t see it live, chances are you’ve read countless articles condemning women’s MMA and Carano. With some of the hype leading up to this fight seeing such a fickle reaction isn’t exactly shocking, some of the people it is coming from is. The world needs a hero and women’s MMA is no different. The truth is, Gina Carano wasn’t able to be that hero at this point in her career, but a lot was riding on her shoulders, all of which she handled with grace and dignity, even in defeat.
Today we are hearing how Gina relates to Kimbo Slice; all hype and no substance, being fed lower-ranked competitors in hopes of propelling her to stardom due to her looks and personality, not her ability. Yes, they were both the creation of Gary Shaw’s hype machine, one that has worked for countless boxers throughout history, and they were both beaten by game opponents. There is a difference though, that a lot of people seem to be overlooing; Gina wanted this fight and wanted this challenge.
Kimbo went into the last EliteXC show ever expecting Ken Shamrock, an old, beaten down shell of a former top fighter who needs painkillers to get out of bed in the morning. Shamrock’s name value and limited skillset was going to help build up the Kimbo legend and EliteXC brand name on national broadcast television. It is hard to really blame Kimbo or his management, as for a business decision the Shamrock fight was golden; there was money to be made, he has name value and a legend of his own.
Carano was treated much in the same way by Shaw and EliteXC; she was given game but inexperienced opponents and pushed as an elite women’s MMA fighter, while she was still a bit fresh into her career as a fighter. Women’s MMA in the United States is still in its infancy, so it is hard to look down on her or her opponents for not having a wealth of experience. The big difference between Carano and Kimbo was attitude and outlook; while Kimbo’s camp was looking for money fights and to keep the Kimbo brand alive, Carano was looking to prove herself and take on a challenge.
Posted in Dave Walsh, Gina Carano, Strikeforce | 4 Comments »
Exclusive Gina Carano Interview: on Sounding Sexy, Talking Sh*t, and cutting weight
Posted by Jonathan Snowden on 25th September 2008
We talk with the sport’s brightest star about sex, talking trash, and even her period. Oh yeah, and fighting.
Posted in Elite XC, Gina Carano, Interviews | No Comments »