In all the hype and build up to UFC 157, the debut of women in the UFC, some may have forgotten the original lady of MMA; Gina Carano.

Carano was the first superstar of female fighters. With her mixture of good looks, charming ways, and talented striking skills she made doubters of female fighters into believers. Most current female fighters would even go as far as thanking her for paving the way, like current UFC Female Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.

After losing a title fight to Cris “Cyborg” Santos, Carano was called to Hollywood. Who could blame her? Make millions without getting punched in the face is a definite upgrade in employment. She was even given a starring role in her debut in movies with Haywire. She is also set to play a large role in the upcoming film franchise The Fast and the Furious. That does not mean she is forgotten in the MMA world.

“Gina’s a movie star.  Gina’s out making movies.  I actually liked that she made it and she went on to do movies and other things, I like that.  I like to see that happen,” said Dana White when speaking to reporters after UFC 157 ended about the former Strikeforce fighter.

Rumors will swirl constantly about the return of Carano. Some are fictitious and some are real, but in this world of cyber technology it’s difficult to sift through and find the facts. One fact is if Carano wants to return to MMA she has a home in the UFC.

“If Gina came back and said she wanted to fight again, we’d take her back,” said White.   ”I’m not going to pursue her, I’m happy for her. She hasn’t told me, but I’ve heard that she’s said she would be interested in coming back, but I’m not going to push her.  But if she wants to come back, I wouldn’t say no either.”

It would be difficult to see where Carano would fit in the ever-growing, and deeply talented, women’s Bantamweight division. She has fought only once at Bantamweight, her professional debut back in 2006. Having her return to MMA would be a financial score for the UFC, there is no doubt about it.

It is highly doubtful though that Carano would give up the Hollywood life to return to the rigors of professional MMA fighting. She will continue to be a supporter of the current female fighters, but will play the role of the retired fighter who went on to bigger successes. But, it would be nice to see her in the cage again.

So, let the rumors begin about the possibility of a Rousey-Carano match begin.

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