Sports

Women of MMA: Gina Carano v Cristiane 'Cyborg' Santos Aug. 15

by Tina Kells | August 12, 2009 at 05:40 pm

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The UFC has yet to embrace women in the ring but on August 15, 2009 Showtime will treat fans of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) to a historic pairing of two popular female fighters. Cristiane 'Cyborg' Santos will face off against Gina 'Conviction' Carano in a televised match that has been dubbed the biggest event in the history of women in MMA.

Carano and Cyborg are paving the way for other females in the sport. And by putting Carano and Cyborg atop the marquee, STRIKEFORCE is demonstrating its commitment to a world-class women's division.

In an interview Cris Cyborg weighed in on the significance of her fight with Gina Carano and what it means for women in MMA.

How much thought have you given to the larger significance of this fight to Strikeforce, to Showtime, and to the sport of MMA itself?

I think I've done a good job of managing the pressure and not allowing myself to think about how big a deal this is. I know later on when I look back on this it's going to blow my mind. But right now I have to focus on this as just another fight. Cyborg puts her pants on the same way I do, and she's just another fighter. I hope this opens doors and breaks down barriers, but right now in my mind it has to be just another fight.

Cris Cyborg and Gina Carano, long time rivals in the ring, will be battling for the first ever Strikeforce Women's Champion title with a precedent setting qualifying weight of 145 lbs. The Cris Cyborg / Gina Carano match on Saturday will be the first ever televised MMA event with women as the headliners. The Cris Cyborg / Gina Carano fight is among the most anticipated of the year, male or female.

Cristiane 'Cyborg' Santos Bio

Gina 'Conviction' Carano Bio

Gina 'Conviction' Carano - MMA Fighter

Age: 27 · Height: 5' 8" · Weight: 147 lbs

Origin: Dallas County, United States

Record (W-L-D): 7-0-0 * Last Match: Win on Oct 4, 2008 · Vs: Kelly Kobold Gavin At Event: EliteXC 10: Kimbo vs. Shamrock

Cris "Cyborg' Santos - MMA Fighter

Age: 24

Height: 5' 8"

Weight - 140

Hometown - Curitiba, Brazil

Record- 7-1