Sunday, June 07, 2009

Carano vs Cyborg set for Aug. 15 Strikeforce show

Strikeforce announced on last night's broadcast that they have signed Gina Carano and she will face Cristiane Cyborg at the Aug. 15 show on Showtime. Strikeforce confirmed afterwards to MMA Junkie that the show will be at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, CA. This is likely the most anticipated women's MMA match in history and will likely be the main event. That will be a first for North Americam MMA on TV though a women's match has been the main event on men's shows in Japan. In fact, the MIKU/Lisa Ward match is the main event on the upcoming DEEP show. Strikeforce is also selling it as the fight between the two best women fighters in MMA. Best known in North America? Yes. Best women fighters? Not even close. Gina's record is 7-0 and her last win was over Kelly Kobold on the Oct. 4 EliteXC show. Strikeforce acquired Gina's EliteXC contract in February but they still had to sign her. And she wanted a lot more money than she was getting at EliteXC and that's why it took so long. She's been keeping busy posing in Maxim and other stuff. Gina has said in interviews that she doesn't want a warmup match and wants to fight Cyborg. Cyborg's record is 7-1 and won over Hitomi Akano in April. Both are standup fighters. Some folks are in love with Cyborg's physique but she's a wild puncher. Gina has superior Muay Thai technique. So though I expect Cyborg to be favoured, Gina has proven to be a strong tactician and her technique will take over. Strikeforce owner Scott Coker said he might make this fight five three minute rounds. Scott, stop being a dope and give the women five minute rounds. They deserve that. Both fighters have problems making weight but I expect this fight to be at 145. The next opponent for the winner will likely be either Erin Toughill or Marloes Coenen.

No comments:

Post a Comment