Gina Carano, a pioneer in women’s MMA, has not officially retired from fighting but has focused on her acting career despite recently posting training footage, and previously considering a return to MMA in 2014.
Gina Carano technically never hung up her gloves. But is she planning a return? Recently, she shared training footage with Merab Dvalishvili’s head coach. Intriguing, right?
Carano’s a legend in women’s MMA. At her peak, she was a shining star in Strikeforce. But after a 2009 loss to Cris Cyborg, she shifted gears to acting.
Yet, she hasn’t completely left the cage behind. Her latest video shows her training at Syndicate MMA in Vegas. John Wood, who coaches Dvalishvili for UFC 323, is in her corner.
“Grateful to be here for my health, the people around me, the people who inspire me and the desire to do better,” she captioned. Heartfelt, isn’t it?
Since leaving MMA, Carano’s been busy with Hollywood. She’s starred in films by Steven Soderbergh and blockbusters like Deadpool.
She was also in The Mandalorian, until controversy struck. Her social media posts, including a controversial comparison, led to her exit.
Disney, owning Lucasfilm, called her post “abhorrent.” They stated she was “not currently employed,” with no plans to collaborate again.
Carano sued Disney for discrimination and wrongful termination. They settled out of court, but the terms? Still a mystery.
At 43, Carano seems content with her MMA legacy. Yet, in 2014, she teased a comeback, discussing a potential fight with Ronda Rousey.
That fight never happened, and she fully embraced acting again. Still, one wonders if the octagon might call her back someday.