Why Was Gina Carano Suspended From MMA After Loss to Ronda Rousey?

The fight ended almost as quickly as it began. Rousey wasted no time shooting for control before trapping Carano in the armbar that made her famous during her UFC run. Carano tapped immediately rather than risk serious damage.

Carano later on admitted it was the right decision. “My arm started crackling,” she said while reflecting on the finish, adding that Rousey likely would have broken it if she had tried to fight back instead of tapping out.

Even though the loss was tough, Carano still sounded grateful for the experience. She thanked fans for supporting her comeback and described returning to MMA after so many years as an emotional moment.

Gina Carano’s MMA Career and Why It Matters

She built a 7-1 professional record and became known for her striking-heavy style during her time in EliteXC and Strikeforce. At a time when women’s fights rarely received major attention, Carano was headlining events and bringing new viewers to the sport.

Her biggest fight came in 2009 against Cris Cyborg in what was promoted as the first major women’s MMA main event. Carano lost the fight by TKO and, not long after, stepped away from fighting altogether.

She started a new career in Hollywood and played some iconic roles in movies like Deadpool and The Mandalorian. Despite her recent loss, Gina Carano is still viewed as one of the best female MMA fighters of all time. And more importantly, a single fighter is responsible for the growth of the female MMA landscape.