Gina Carano could be preparing for an MMA comeback and coach John Wood has dropped a major hint. Wood provided an update on Carano’s training, revealing that she has been at Syndicate MMA more often.
Carano, 43, was a trailblazer for women’s MMA. She made her professional debut for World Extreme Fighting in 2006, defeating Leiticia Pestova by 1st round TKO. After another knockout win over Rosi Sexton, she competed for EliteXC and later Strikeforce.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Wood revealed that Carano has been training at his gym for two months. It wasn’t a random occurrence, as he has known Carano and her husband for years.
Wood said that it has been a pleasure to train her and believes she is still capable of fighting.
“She’s training with us right now, she’s been [at Syndicate MMA] for the last month or two,” Wood said. “To be able to have [Carano and her husband] in the gym and be able to train with them, work on some things, it’s been pretty cool.”
Several talented fighters currently train under Wood at Syndicate MMA, including Khalil Rountree and former bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. He emphasized that although Carano is training often, it’s still unclear whether she will actually compete in the octagon.
“Well, do I think she can still fight? Absolutely. Do I think she’s got pop and can lay it on somebody? Absolutely. Is that what’s happening? I don’t know.”
John Wood Explains Gina Carano’s Status in MMA
Despite not being a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, Gina Carano’s impact can’t be overlooked. Shortly after her MMA debut in 2006, Carano quickly gained a large following.
Speaking with MMA Fighting, Wood revealed that Carano is very well respected at Syndicate MMA. He said she still has the desire to train but hasn’t confirmed any plans on a return fight.
“[Carano’s] got that fire and she’s training her butt off. It’s been really cool to have here in there. She’s a legend of the sport, not just in women’s MMA but the sport in general so it’s really awesome to have someone like that,” Wood said. “People when they walk in and realize, ‘Oh, it’s Gina.’ She’s such a fan favorite and just a great person.”
If she returns, Ronda Rousey would likely be the opponent due to the two being linked to a potential bout in the past.
Before Rousey, Carano was the face of women’s MMA and caught the attention of Hollywood. She eventually transitioned into acting after retiring. Some of her most notable roles include Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian.
When Did Carano Last Fight?
If Carano makes a comeback in 2026, it will end a 17-year layoff. She last competed in Strikeforce on Aug. 15, 2009.
Carano faced Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight title in the main event. The event took place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose and aired live on Showtime. It was a historic event, as it marked the first time a major MMA event was headlined by a women’s fight.
The fight didn’t go as Carano hoped. Cyborg overpowered her with striking and finished her with punches to secure a 1st round TKO.
It was a successful event for Strikeforce. They had 13, 976 fans in attendance and a total reported gate of $736, 000.
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