On this day in 2007, two pioneers made history in mixed martial arts.
Ronda Rousey’s relationship with the fans hasn’t been what it once was for over a decade at this point.
‘Rowdy’ may no longer be beloved but it can’t be overlooked just how much of an impact she had on the UFC and the sport as a whole during her career.
Dana White may have completely shut down the idea of Rousey fighting again but what she accomplished in just eight appearances inside the Octagon should speak for itself.
That being said, while she’s credited as the person who changed the UFC president’s mind about signing women to the promotion, there were others that laid foundations.
One word to sum up Ronda Rousey’s career?
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Let us know how you would describe the biggest star in the history of women’s MMA.
Gina Carano defeated fellow pioneer Julie Kedzie live on Showtime back in 2007
Gina Carano may be best known for her acting roles in the likes of The Mandalorian, Fast & Furious 6, and Deadpool but this isn’t how she initially made her name.
Fighting in her pro debut back in 2006, her short MMA career saw her compete in promotions like Strikeforce and EliteXC as a pioneer of the female side of the sport.
Carano losing to Cris Cyborg in her final bout all the way back in 2009 saw her step away, while other names like Ronda Rouseywho debuted in 2011, took over.
EliteXC: Destiny on this day in 2007 saw her face off with a fellow pioneer in fighter turned Invicta FC commentator and matchmaker Julie Kedzie.
Their matchup became the first ever women’s MMA bout to be seen live on television due to the main card airing via Showtime.
Carano won the fight via unanimous decision at a catchweight of 138 pounds to continue her undefeated run that lasted until she crossed paths with Cyborg.
Gina Carano’s coach isn’t ruling out the chances of her fighting again
Last year, there were teases of Gina Carano finally facing Ronda Rousey in a fight that came so close to happening inside the Octagon due to the videos of them both training.
It looks like talk of ‘Rowdy’ fighting for the first time since her knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016 has gone cold in recent months.
Carano, however, seems to be serious about making a return at 43 years old judging by the following comments from her coach.
Is Gina Carano making the right decision to fight again?
“She’s back training every day,” John Wood told Home of Fight. “We spent the first couple months kinda getting her back in shape. She’s jumped in now and working with the pros and practices and stuff. So, who knows? I am not at will to say what could or could not happen there.
“I think that this coming back and training has lit a fire under her a–,” Wood continued. “I think that there’s some things that are potentially on the table and I think might be explored. Who knows what’s gonna happen? She’s been out of the game for a while, but I know that she’s got that fire, and I know that she’s in here training like a bat out of the hell every day. So we’ll see.”
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