Gina Carano: Will She Fight Ronda Rousey?

Gina Carano, the former Strikeforce champion, may be Ronda Rousey’s next opponent. That’s if the rumors circulating, since UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s recent radio interview, are true.

UFC president Dana White refuted the rumors but did so jokingly as he said – referring to the Rogan interview: “[Rogan] blew my whole week with that interview. There’s nothing done as far as [Rousey’s] next opponent,” he said.

That isn’t to say that Dana White is against a Gina Carano comeback versus Rousey: “If [Carano] wanted to fight in the UFC, of course,” White said. If Gina Carano wanted to fight in the UFC, we would definitely do it,” he revealed.

When Strikeforce was bought by Zuffa, Gina Carano was one of the many contracts they obtained. When she took a break in 2009, after her loss against Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, her contract remained valid even though she stopped fighting:

“When you go on a hiatus, whether you’re injured or semi-retired, you’re still under contract. If you come back, you’re still under contract with us. So she is under contract with us, but I have no plans right now,” White said.

If Carano does return to the ring and compete within the framework of the UFC, the weight category she would be in would have to be decided. It is thought she would be in the catch-weight category, but the UFC may need to add more divisions.

At the moment, the UFC has a 135 pound woman’s division and is adding a 115 pound division next season. Gina Carano competed previously in the MMA at 145 pounds and sometimes had difficulty making that weight division.

It remains to be seen whether Gina Carano will make a return to fighting, and if her first opponent will in fact be Ronda Rousey. Would you like to see that match and who would fancy to win it? Share your thoughts in the comments feed below.