Gina Carano in the WEC?

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 19, 2008 8:53 AM EST in News Comment 63 comments

This may soon become reality according to Dana White:

White said he is thinking of inviting Gina Carano to fight in the WEC. Carrano had been fighting in the now defunct EliteXC. "Gina Carano is a star, I think she's talented. I think she's got all the tools, so what I'm willing to do is bring Gina into the WEC. We could do fights whenever there's a challenger for Gina. That's how I'll test the waters and see how it goes." In the past, White has dismissed talk of having women fight in his organization, saying there wasn't enough talent out there.

The proposed scenario would be a major modification to Zuffa's approach in promoting MMA. Not only would this be their first foray into female fighting, but the experiment would not involve a full division of fighters but only Carano fighting various challengers as they materialize. Zuffa has the ability to take female MMA to the next level if they effectively deploy the significant resources at their disposal.

Gina Carano's popularity may be just what the WEC needs to emerge from the shadow of the UFC, and her addition would make a possible WEC PPV effort more realistic. One wonders if the recent return of Randy Couture to the UFC fold figures into White's quickly evolving attitude toward Carano (and other women) fighting under the Zuffa banner, given Carano's close relationship with the Coutures?

The only hurdle could be Carano's contract situation with ProElite. If she and other fighters are freed from the grasp of the floundering promotion, Gina Carano might soon headline a WEC event.

HT: Steve Cofield

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Read More: gina carano, wec, zuffa, dana white, randy couture

Comments

This would truly be monumental. Perhaps Dana is further motivated to add Carano to the WEC after Faber lost his title to Brown. I still consider Faber and Torres the two main components of the WEC, but with Faber not holding the title presently, that third major fighter in a seperate division (Carano, in this case) could be a major coup.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 8:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

I almost included that speculation in the post. That could be significant in his motivation to bring in Carano.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The only invitation to Gina I would like to see more, would be from Hef….or Larry Flynt!

Sorry, had to take it there.

In all seriousness, I don’t want to see women in the UFC, because I want to see what the UFC already has. However, I would love to see female superfights in the WEC and Gina could even be a headliner for them.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Nov 18, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

We’re in agreement regarding the UFC. However, I’d like this experiment to eventually lead to more women under contract with an actual division, or divisions, being established within the WEC.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just like the argument raging down the page about a SHW division, I doubt there is the number of legit pro female fighters to fill out several divisions. Maybe even not enough to fill out a division at whatever weight Gina ends up at…

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Nov 18, 2008 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Any idea what is going on with all the females the AFL signed?

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Nov 18, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As far as I know, the AFL has suspended operations until after the beginning of the new year, but they say they’re still in business. I’m skeptical. I believe Rome said something about them “imploding” at one point. I could be wrong, but he could probably shed some more light on that subject.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The womens division that the WEC will have will be whatever Gina is walking around at 7 days before her fight.

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 8:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The WEC is the best place for women’s MMA in Zuffa. It helps build the WEC as a sister organization that offers something different instead of a second tier promotion and feeder for the UFC and it helps fill out the WEC’s lack of divisions. Carano also gives them a big draw as she has been watched by more people than the entire WEC combined.

by who me on Nov 18, 2008 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I dig the accidental sister pun.

by Rundownloser on Nov 19, 2008 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I will believe it, when I see it! Dana’s been awful stubborn on the subject of Female MMA. Pardon the doubting Thomas here, I just have my doubts we will ever see Gina or any female fight in WEC.

by defshepard on Nov 18, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Big draw, small pay, Happy Dana.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Nov 18, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Gina will get paid handsomely and that’s not including sponsors. Not sure how all the other fighters will feel about that when they are fighting tougher competition.

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah dude..

She’ll get paid. Probably not six figures, but she’ll get a sweet deal from Zuffa. I’m going to say 75k per sounds accurate.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know about 75k. Faber is a huge draw, win or lose just like Liddell. I think he makes less than 50k per fight.

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Carano's last fight paid her $35k?

If that’s the case, then a bump to $50+incentives would be a big leap for her. Forgetting her long-term ability to headline and PPV revenue share (absolutely appropriate, given what we know about her individual drawing power).

This is really exciting. I hope Dana makes it happen.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Nov 18, 2008 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

of course I meant "$50k+incentives," not $50.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Nov 18, 2008 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it was 25k her last fight.. but i’m sure she made some bonus money too..

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 9:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll give her $50

If I can lay down in that photo up there; take a nap maybe…

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Faber’s manager even made note that he’s on an old deal. She would be getting a new deal. And she’s a draw, transcending the sport itself (like Brock, who got six figures out of the gate). I think my number is accurate.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The last Gina Carano fight was watched by over 5 million people. The last Faber fight was watched by less than 1/10th that.

by D.Capitated on Nov 19, 2008 8:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think she would receive base pay much different from that of Faber. White really doesn’t have to give her huge money, in my opinion. Who’s going to provide Gina with a more stable situation that will afford her the same kind of publicity that she would get with the WEC? White has a lot of leverage.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed. I think she will get paid, but her, Faber or any WEC fighter isn’t going to break the bank, until they establish PPV success.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Nov 19, 2008 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

White does have a lot of leverage...

depending on where a lot of these former EXC fighters end up. Strikeforce pays decent money. Imagine if they picked up Lawler, Diaz, Smith and a few other names. They already have fighters like Lee, Shamrock, Thompson and Melendez.. They could put on some great shows maybe even a PPV and afford to pay Gina more than the WEC would.

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 9:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so..

Purely because Strikeforce is successful by being wise with their spending and not trying to compete directly with Zuffa.

BTW, they do not have a Shamrock.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Says who?

It might be hidden underneath the canvas for good luck.

Ok, that was funnier in my head.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Nov 18, 2008 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Between that and Pug-py..

..I think you’re overexposed to BE for the day. Haha

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No excuses, since I'm kinda lame most of the time anyways,

but I’m running like 102-103 degrees right now with (I’m assuming) infected tonsils. It’s all good, though. I’m just here to add to the ambiance.

There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.

by misterjonez on Nov 18, 2008 9:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He might not have an exclusive contract with Strikeforce but he’s fought for them. And I’m sure he would fight for them again.

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Shamrock’s Strikeforce contract is over, it was the whole reason they were co-promoting with EliteXC to start with.

by who me on Nov 18, 2008 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m talking about Frank, not Ken.

by steveoc24 on Nov 18, 2008 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Of course

But the fact remains that they don’t have him, he’s an FO.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

FA

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes Frank Shamrock is the reason Strikeforce and EliteXC co-promoted because both had him under contract and Strikeforce sued EliteXC.

by who me on Nov 18, 2008 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How do challengers emerge?

How do challengers emerge when they are given absolutely no platform to do so? I’ve been to many local MMA shows including all female ones and have seen some incredibly talented women also with the attractive looks all these promoters seem to covet. But since they’re not televised, no one knows who they are.

Wonder how absurd this sounds if I said, “We’re going to promote men’s MMA for the first time, but only line up fights for Yuriah Faber because he’s cute and a good fighter.” And only him versus some emerging opponent on a card. What about the other female fighters? What about them fighting each other? How do these women even emerge if they are given no platform where they can fight and have people know about them?

by ferocitytv on Nov 18, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think he’s gradually changing his tune. Be patient… I’m confident that he’ll sign at least 4-6 women in addition to Carano if it comes to that. Keep in mind that he doesn’t want to say “Yeah, let’s do womens MMA!” and then not sign Carano. Then he looks like a prick for deciding not to sign anyone else.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope that happens. That would at least be a start. Good news for sure.

by ferocitytv on Nov 19, 2008 1:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That made me wonder too. It seemed like he was saying, “we’ll put her under contract – whether we give her any fights or not, well who knows. We’ll see.”

I can see that might make her manager a bit uneasy.

by mythbuster on Nov 19, 2008 9:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Man I REALLY hope they do it, I think womens MMA would go perfectly with the WEC and would help distinguish the WEC from the UFC.
I think it’s a perfect fit, I sure hope they do it.
The economy may stop it from happening, it makes ‘experiments’ a lot less likely.

by pr0cs on Nov 18, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think this particular experiment is all that resource intensive. White really just has to pay Gina decent money but not blockbuster level. Her challengers probably won’t require large sums of money. She’s going to give the WEC a good bump in interest. I believe that’s almost without question. The UFC is the cash cow, and they’re largely insulated from any potential fallout should something unforeseen happen in regards to the women.

Low risk, high potential reward scenario in my opinion.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The reason there aren’t a lot of female fighters is that there aren’t a lot of leagues that have female fighters.

White should get Carano and start building a league. It might be a little thin for years, but they will come once someone who can stay in business for more than 3 shows starts looking for talent.

by toxic on Nov 18, 2008 10:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Conviction

I would love to see Gina Carano headline a WEC show.this would a great organization for a fight against Crtstane Cyborg Santos. this fight has got to happen.

by TheLevi on Nov 18, 2008 10:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This is good news, but not good enough. As it is, it’s kind of like a token gesture that I think is better than what we had before, and it gives Gina a good platform to fight on, but it still makes it into a novelty instead of a division.

Cyborg vs. Gina on WEC is good news though. The first PPV they do could be Urijah’s rematch and that fight.

I still feel like this is feeding them crumbs from the table, and kind of a degrading gesture, but I hope that one day when they finally decide to just merge the whole WEC into the UFC the girls will finally get their chance to fight in a huge arena with a screaming crowd. I saw people in another section just mobbing Gina, she was a bigger name at this show than anyone besides the two main eventers.

by Michael Rome on Nov 18, 2008 10:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Also, given that he is not interested in a division, and just wants Gina fights, there is no reason why this can’t be in the UFC.

by Michael Rome on Nov 18, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think you already answered your own question

WEC PPV

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 10:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather see a division in some form, because it would commit Zuffa to female MMA to a greater extent. With Gina fighting whoever they find, it’s easy for them to walk away if Gina loses or they experience some sort of PR problem.

I don’t see this proposal as “degrading.” It may be a half-measure and is less than ideal. Some of the shit that EXC did in regard to the women struck me as degrading. If I recall correctly, they didn’t even invite Kaitlin Young to the afterparty following her loss to Gina. I believe it was Gina who actually offered her tickets to the event. Even one-off fights in the WEC strike me as less of a side show than any alternative I’m aware of.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 10:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we're jumping the gun..

Like I mentioned earlier, Dana is easing into it. I think he wants to secure Gina before making promises about a legit division, for fear of not signing her and not going forward with said division. And, well, he’s being proud (based on his previous stance).

He signs Carano, there’ll be a division; small as it may be in its early days.

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You’re quite possibly correct. I don’t think I’m “jumping the gun.” I’m just working with the available information. Actually, I hope you’re correct in your speculation.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 18, 2008 11:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We, not you

I think that the available information isn’t much to go on, is all. It’s fair to speculate both ways..

by Blackout612 on Nov 18, 2008 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I think you’re probably right. This is Dana easing his way in.

All I’m saying is that 3-4 weeks ago, Dana was virulently against this in private conversations. Just a few weeks later, his position has changed to here. All I’m saying is that people that want women’s MMA respected still need to keep fighting for it.

by Michael Rome on Nov 18, 2008 11:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is pretty much the exact scenario I outlined in a post on here last month.

by Simco on Nov 18, 2008 10:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

interest news… but if they do the carano/santos fight, and gina loses?

regardless, it’s probably quite a ways off, given the legal issues with exc.

by woooburn on Nov 18, 2008 10:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Then they cut their losses, and have Gina under contract so a competitor can’t scoop her up.

by mythbuster on Nov 19, 2008 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If this happens, combined with Gina being successful in the WEC...

She will be an instant legend, and every woman fighter that follows will be pointing at her as a pioneer. She certainly didnt start MMA for females, but she is close to putting it permenantly on the map.

by Slica on Nov 18, 2008 11:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

At least he’s looking at it. Get her in for 1-2 fights and see how it goes. I guarantee he’ll be sold once he sees the buzz generated.

+10 points for that magic photo too; deadly and innocent all at the same time.

by Benicio on Nov 19, 2008 12:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Anyway you slice it, this is pretty good news. Exciting stuff.

by Rundownloser on Nov 19, 2008 1:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

"Its that damn Gina Carano,

She’s so hot right now…" -Mugatu

by xFenixKnightx on Nov 19, 2008 9:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think Dana is being cautious and that’s okay. I am hoping this will lead to Layla Ali coming into MMA

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Nov 19, 2008 11:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That would be HUGE!!!

But then again she also said she doesnt like the idea of someone throwing leg kicks at her head and face…

by xFenixKnightx on Nov 19, 2008 1:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s too much to hope Dana would automatically start a women’s division in the WEC, but I guess signing Gina and throwing her a few fights here and there would be better than nothing. Doors have to be opened somehow, and if this is the start of Dana budging on his previous no women stance, then so be it. You gotta start somewhere. And hopefully that somewhere starts with big ratings and lots of attention, cause money is the ultimate decider.

by pud333 on Nov 19, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The more I think about doing Gina fights in WEC, the dumber it is. Why do you take the number 3 TV draw in MMA history and put her on a show that has no mainstream reach and does .5 ratings? Stupid.

by Michael Rome on Nov 19, 2008 4:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WEC has brought the most viewers to Versus. I don’t see it as a totally bad thing. If Gina does bring in more viewers to the WEC then that more than likely will place her on a UFC card.

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007