10 MMA Fights That Changed The Business
4. Strikeforce August 15, 2009: Cyborg def. Carano
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUG5fOOE8VcBefore Ronda Rousey was locking in armbars and crushing magazine covers, Gina Carano was the poster child for Womens MMA. A successful kick boxer, Carano made the jump to MMA in 2006 and quickly made a name by acquiring an undefeated 7-0 record. Her combination of beauty and brawn made her a hot commodity as she crossed over into the mainstream with modeling, TV, and movie appearances.
Caranos stock rose so much that Strikeforce booked her to face Christiane Cyborg Justino to decide the first Strikeforce Womens Lightweight Champion. The match would be the main event of the card, marking the first time a Womens fight would be the feature of a major MMA event. Unfortunately for Carano, Cyborgs imposing strength and striking abilities were too much to overcome. Carano would lose the bout by a first round TKO and has not competed again in MMA.
Despite the loss, Gina Carano set the template for female fighters and opened up the path that Ronda Rousey is currently walking through. Carano has gone on to appear in several motion pictures, most notably being the star of the 2011 action flick Haywire.