The long-awaited Gina (Conviction) Carano vs. Cristiane (Cyborg) Santos super-fight is set to take place in August.
Gina (Conviction) Carano recently visited the Sportsnet studios to promote her Round 5 collectible figure and provided a status update on the long-awaited female super-fight between her and Cristiane (Cyborg) Santos.
"It will most likely happen in August," Carano said. "I'll probably be signing the contract in the next week or two. We'll get a date set for August and just go for it."
Cyborg, an absolute menace in the cage will surely be Carano's toughest test to date. For "Conviction," it's the motivation that keeps her blood flowing.
"I think it's going to be a really tough fight. It's definitely going to test me more than I've ever been tested. I'm just really looking forward to it.
"From the beginning of my fight career, I've wanted to fight better girls and get pushed. That's what keeps me in the gym and drives me everyday. I am nothing but excited for this fight"
Carano currently trains out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. While the atmosphere of the gym may be second to none, she has considered taking her show on the road.
"I have my team and it's crossed my mind to get away (from Vegas). Sometimes you feel like you do too much press and it would just be nice to get away with just my camp. I've thought about going to New Mexico to train with Greg Jackson."
In the end, the comfort of home works best for the face of women's MMA.
"I really want to rep where I come from in Las Vegas. I grew up there, so I'm sticking to Las Vegas, my people and my gym."
As the female division continues to grow in MMA, Carano believes there is one person who definitely deserves the same recognition she has been receiving as of late. Erin Toughill (10-2-1), a boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace, is a female fighter Carano feels is deserving of the same spotlight.
"She should have been right up here, just as much as me and Cyborg. She's definitely a top contender."
Since the demise of EliteXC, many wondered if Carano could find her way into some Zuffa-owned promotions, be it the UFC and/or WEC.
"I did sit down with Dana and Lorenzo (Fertitta). They expressed interest in me but not in a female division. With more exposure they'll see that the women's division is a lot deeper than they think."
Many of the hardcore MMA fans know this to be fact, but for those just getting into the sport, Carano believes they should be educated by the fighters themselves.
"It's just a matter of getting some footwork done trying to get all of the female fighters out there that are fighting and I encourage all the women out there that now is the time. We've gotten this far so now's the time to act on it."
What was once considered taboo, women's MMA is an incredible sight to behold. Female bouts are often tagged as fight of the night candidates for many promotions. As the sport evolves, Carano believes that women's MMA should evolve with it. Namely, an increase of two minutes per round to match the men.
"I think three minutes is too short. When you're being held up against the fence for a minute or two or on the ground ... I think there needs to be five minutes to showcase our talents. It's MMA so you need a little more time 'cause so many things can happen."
Carano's popularity continues to soar, as her mainstream appeal has landed her as No. 16 on Maxim's Top 100 Hot List. While the ranking is flattering, the humble Carano keeps it all in perspective and gives credit to being involved in one of the most popular sports in North America. Pleasantly surprised that she was ranked above many pop icons, the reasoning is simple.
"That's just because I'm part of a really cool sport. I mean there is no way I beat out some of the people that I did if I wasn't part of this sport."
With all the accolades comes a fair amount of negative publicity. As her celebrity status grows, she is often victimized by anyone with a cell phone camera.
"People tear you up and bring you down. One second they're your friend and reporting great news on you and the next second their splattering pictures of you online and calling you fat.
"I've got a good sense of humour about myself and know exactly who I am and what I am. As long as I keep trying to better myself, I'm not gonna go wrong.
Carano is cognizant of what the game, media and fans are all about. Fully aware that her life and image is constantly being mass consumed by today's pop culture, she sees no reason to change.
"I refuse to live in a fish bowl; I live in the ocean."
