Gina Carano is widely considered to be the face of Women’s Mixed Martial Arts. Her athletic achievements include her participation in the first-ever sanctioned MMA bout in Nevada. Carano defeated opponent Leiticia Pestova in an impressive 39 seconds.
Carano was influential in the introduction of women in competitive fightingher December 2006 fight against Elaina Maxwell was the first time StrikeForce, the well-known MMA promoter, had women on their card. Carano was the victor, defeating Maxwell by unanimous decision. Three years later, Carano fought Christine Cyborg-Santos in the first StrikeForce Women’s Lightweight Championship. This fight was also the first Women’s Main Card Event and was televised nationally on Showtime.
Born in Dallas, Texas, and the daughter of Glenn Carano, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Carano was brought up in an athletic environment. Carano’s career as a Muay Thai specialist began in the famed Master Toddy Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under Master Toddy, Carano competed multiple times internationally, garnishing a 12-1-1 professional Muay Thai record.
Carano was simultaneously pursuing a degree in psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, but as her fighting career grew and Carano realized her passion for the sport, she chose to focus solely on Muay Thai, traveling the world for fighting events.
Carano hopes to continue to balance acting with her ongoing fight career. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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