.jpg)
AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
If you are a mixed martial arts (MMA) fan, mark down where you were on August 15th, 2009. Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos’ win over Gina Carano propelled the ever evolving sport of MMA into the history books. Santos and Carano are now forever linked as the first two women to main event a major televised fight card.
The bout did not totally live up to its billing. Santos controlled the action from the beginning and it was evident early that Carano’s conditioning and strength were no match for the Brazilian. Santos played “beat-the-clock”, ending the contest one second before the end of round 1 by referee stoppage.
Yet, the over-arching theme of the evening was that a crowd could get behind and support a fight card headlined by two great athletes that just happened to be female in a sport dominated by men. Certainly many of the fringe fans would have liked to see the pretty face of the sport (Carano) continue her unbeaten streak, but the coinsurer in all of us was forced to appreciate the vast skill-set and talent possessed by Santos. That in-and-of-itself was beautiful.
The one obstacle the division faces is lack of depth. Santos seems to have three potential competitors on the horizon in Marloes Coenen, Roxanne Modafferi, and a re-match with Carano. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker also alluded to the fact that a #1 contender could be crowned in a tournament style format that will take place over the next scheduled fight dates. This would help new fans familiarize themselves with the ladies who are not household names in the sport prior to someone facing-off against the new 145 lb. champion once the tournament produces a winner.
The key remains to focus on what we learned Saturday. That is, regardless of the end result, sacrifice and dedication to one’s dream can always be achieved regardless of what sex, race, or public stereotype might stand in your way. Together, Santos and Carano validated the hard-work of all the women training in MMA camps around the world hoping to break the pre-conceived notions that they will never be professional fighters. For that, they both made history.
For more info: Dennis Guillermo Indianapolis Fight Sports Examiner , Eddie Graveline Mixed Martial Arts Examiner , Ted Gambordella Dallas Martial Arts Examiner
Comments