Gina Carano Finally Ready To Return To MMA

Gina Carano, the face of women’s mixed martial arts fighting is finally ready to return to the cage.

Carano was set to make her comeback last month against Sarah D’Alelio, but Carano was pulled from the card after Strikeforce announced she had failed her pre-fight physical. Rumors persisted that she was pregnant, but those eventually were proven false. It came to light that Carano was cleared by the Athletic Commission but was removed from the card because of a mystery ailment.

She is apparently cured of whatever that mysterious medical problem and ready to return. Carano made an appearance at San Diego’s Comic Con recently and reportedly looks healthy and ready to go. So is MMA ready for her?

Carano hasn’t fought since a brutal first-round TKO loss to Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos way back on August 15, 2009. In those two years, not much has happened in the female MMA world. Santos won two subsequent fights but hasn’t been in the cage since June 26, 2010 because she’s embroiled in a contract dispute with Strikeforce. A rematch between Carano and Santos would be an obvious draw, but its doubtful Carano would be ready for a matchup like that after two years on the sidelines.

Another potential fight would have been with former 135-pound champ Marloes Coenen, but she was cut earlier this week. Other than that, Carano could face her originally scheduled opponent Sarah D’Alelio, but after that there doesn’t seem to be much out there. New 135-pound champ Miesha Tate could provide some interest, but again, there’s just not much buzz in the female MMA world right now.

Carano is 7-1 in her career, and other than Arianny Celeste and maybe Brittney Palmer, there is no female that draws more interest among MMA fans. Her return could be good for the sport, but someone needs to be out there to oppose her.

And since I’m sure you’re all here because you simply love Ms. Carano for her in-ring exploits, I guess I can reward you with a few pictures of the lovely fighter.