Props: Gina Carano.YardBarker.com
Quoteworthy:
"I wanted to take time to collect my thoughts and speak from the heart rather than spew out some cliché anecdote about a tough loss. I know I am a better fighter than the way I performed that night and was heartbroken to not give more to those who have been inspired. However, I find some relief in knowing that this has never been only about me, and now more than ever I feel freedom to learn and grow at my own pace. I make it a point to constantly remind myself throughout this journey who I am, what I am doing, and why. Life is the most amazing gift and I want to live it for the right reasons. To my family, coaches, management... thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me, loving and encouraging me. Also a special thanks to the fans who support me from their computers at home, watch me on television and scream for me in the stadiums. Because of you, barriers have been broken down and you have inspired me to believe in a larger dream. Congratulations to Cris Cyborg and the women of MMA who have a great platform to shine. I am more excited than ever for female fighters and this amazing sport which has transformed my life. God Bless."
Gina Carano, the previously undefeated face of female mixed martial arts, issues her first public remarks after suffering a first round technical knockout at the hands of Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos in the Strikeforce main event on Aug. 15. It was a high-profile match with the first-ever female 145-pound title up for grabs. Carano, however, could not handle the early blitzkrieg from the Brazilian and eventually succumbed to strikes with literally one second remaining in the opening frame. So where does Carano go from here -- immediate rematch or does she build up her record, and confidence, in a handful of other match ups before getting a rematch?