Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 1
Gina Carano
Gina
Carano’s impact on women’s MMA is undeniable. | Photo: D.
Mandel/Sherdog.com
“Conviction”
CASE FOR: Without Carano, it is not clear that there would be major-league women’s MMA today. There were of course female fighters before Carano, but she brought women to center stage for the first time and proved women’s fights could draw. She was among the greatest MMA television ratings attractions of all-time, and her Strikeforce fight with Cristiane Justino in 2009 was a hit on Showtime and live in San Jose, Calif. She was also a legitimate fighter with excellent muay Thai and an exciting style. CASE AGAINST: Carano fought good but not great female competition. She was stopped in the first round by “Cyborg” in her most important fight, and she left the MMA scene after only eight appearances. VERDICT: Should she go in? No, her significance is not enough to balance out her fight resume.
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