Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has sparked controversy by claiming that Gina Carano’s career was handed to her on a silver platter, courtesy of her influential father. In a recent interview, Rousey alleged that Carano’s father, Glenn Carano, used his connections to pave the way for his daughter’s success in the mixed martial arts world.
Rousey, who is known for her outspoken nature, made the claims during a podcast interview, where she stated that Carano’s father, a former NFL player and part-owner of several Nevada casinos, had significant ties to the Las Vegas Athletic Commission. According to Rousey, Carano’s father used his influence to get his daughter booked in high-profile fights, including the creation of the Strikeforce 145-pound division championship specifically for her to compete in.
Rousey recounted how she herself had to struggle to make a name for herself in the MMA world, fighting in smaller organizations and working her way up the ranks. In contrast, she claimed that Carano was given opportunities that she did not deserve, solely because of her father’s influence.
“…the spot below the glass ceiling was the Strikeforce Championship, which was basically only there because Gina Carano, her dad was connected with the Las Vegas Athletic Commission and started sanctioning women’s MMA fights just for her,” Rousey stated. “And she ended up getting, you know, so much support and everything with her matches that they basically created the Strikeforce 145-division championship for her to fight for.”
Rousey also shared her own struggles with weight and body image, revealing that she had battled eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food throughout her career. She attributed her recovery to adopting a vegan lifestyle, which helped her develop a healthier relationship with food.
The controversy surrounding Carano’s career is not new. An investigation by The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Carano’s family has significant financial interests in Nevada casinos, with a reported $725 million stake in the industry. This has led to accusations of favoritism and unfair advantage in the MMA world.
In a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, former MMA star Gina Carano discussed the possibility of a match with former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. Carano, who last fought professionally in 2009, revealed that UFC president Dana White once invited her to be the promotion’s first female fighter. However, Carano chose to honor her commitments to Strikeforce instead. Reflecting on a hypothetical fight with Rousey, Carano expressed confidence in her punching power, suggesting it would have given her an edge despite Rousey’s ground skills.
Carano said: “I do, absolutely [believe I would have won]. Because I pack a hell of a punch. I know how she punches. I punch like a trucker. [She would have the edge] on the ground obviously but I’m scramble.”
“It’s no disrespect and I’m sure she would say the same thing that she would win, but that’s just something I know. After you’ve been punched like that, she got shook twice [by] Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm, I’m one of the hardest punchers that women’s mixed martial arts has ever seen.”
