A Comeback on the Horizon?
Gina Carano, a name that once dominated the world of women’s MMA, has recently piqued the interest of the combat sports community with a new training video. Despite never officially retiring, Carano has been largely absent from the octagon since her loss to Cris Cyborg in 2009. The video, which shows her sparring at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas with head coach John Wood—also the mentor of UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili—has sparked speculation about a possible MMA comeback. Known for her trailblazing role in women’s MMA, Carano’s return to the gym is a clear indication that the fighting spirit within her remains unquenched.
A Legendary Career in Strikeforce
At the height of her career, Gina Carano was a shining star in the world of combat sports, primarily competing in Strikeforce. Her performances were groundbreaking, as she blazed a trail for women in a male-dominated sport. Carano’s athleticism, charisma, and striking prowess made her a fan favorite, and she quickly rose to become one of the most recognizable faces in MMA. However, her career took a significant turn after her loss to Cris Cyborg in 2009, which effectively marked the end of her active fighting days as she pivoted to an acting career.
A Shift to the Silver Screen
Post-MMA, Carano’s life took a dramatic turn as she transitioned into acting. She landed roles in prestigious films directed by iconic directors like Steven Soderbergh, and her performances in blockbuster movies such as “Deadpool” further cemented her status as a versatile talent. Her role in the highly successful Star Wars series “The Mandalorian” was particularly notable, as it brought her into the limelight of a global audience. However, her tenure on the show was cut short due to controversial social media posts that drew widespread criticism and led to her being written off the series.
Controversial Exit from The Mandalorian
In 2021, Carano found herself at the center of a media storm after she made a series of contentious social media posts, including one that many viewed as insensitive and harmful. The post, which compared the struggles of conservative Americans to the atrocities suffered by Jews during the Holocaust, was deemed “abhorrent and unacceptable” by Disney, the parent company of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise. As a result, Disney terminated its relationship with Carano, stating that she was “not currently employed” by the company and that they had no plans to work with her again. Carano subsequently filed a lawsuit against Disney for discrimination and wrongful termination, which was eventually settled out of court. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, but the incident marked a significant setback in her acting career.
Teasing a Return to MMA
Despite the challenges she faced in Hollywood, Carano has not entirely turned her back on her roots in combat sports. In recent years, she has occasionally hinted at a potential return to MMA. One of the most notable instances was in 2014, when she engaged in discussions with the UFC about a potential fight against Ronda Rousey, a match that could have been a monumental event in the sport. Although the bout never materialized, Carano’s interest in a comeback has been a recurring theme. The recent training footage with John Wood adds fuel to the fire, suggesting that the 43-year-old veteran might be more serious than ever about re-entering the octagon.
A Continuous Journey of Growth
In her caption accompanying the training video, Carano expressed gratitude for her health, the people around her, and the inspiration she draws from those who push her to be better. This sentiment reflects a deeper appreciation for the journey she has undertaken, both in and out of the ring. While her path has been marked by high points and low points, Carano’s resilience and determination are evident. Whether or not she ultimately decides to return to MMA, one thing is clear: Gina Carano continues to be a force to be reckoned with, driven by her passion and an unyielding commitment to personal growth and excellence.
