Carano May Cause Backlash For CBS/Elite XC

Much has been said about the first live mixed martial arts event to be shown on network television this Saturday. CBS is hoping to draw in a large amount of viewers who may not have been a fan of the sport in the past and simply wish to give it a chance on Saturday and see what they think for themselves. I'd imagine that many people who have heard this event is taking place and will be available for free on network television will be getting together with friends to watch a good night of fights and see if this sport is really as exciting as they have heard. 

With Kimbo Slice headlining the event, it is sure to draw attention and we all know, whether you are a mixed martial arts fan or not, who Kimbo Slice is and what he's all about. Kimbo Slice is there to knockout James Thompson. It's as simple as that and anything less will be a disappointment for CBS, Elite XC, and the casual fan who may be tuning in for the first time.

As dedicated fans of this sport, most of us know who is on the undercard and the main card besides Kimbo and we know that there are many great matches to get excited about. How many casual fans can name anyone else on the card besides Kimbo? As as true fan of the sport, how many friends who may not be big fans know that Kimbo is fighting on CBS on Saturday night but can not even name his opponent, let alone anyone else on the card? How many people know that there are women on the card..?

It is my belief that many casual viewers will be completely turned off when they become aware that Gina Carano will be competing against Kaitlin Young this Saturday. Some viewers who are already turned off by mixed martial arts may tune in this Saturday and give it another chance but these viewers may turn it off the minute they learn that there will be women fighting on the card. The casual fan is simply not educated enough yet about this sport and do not understand that these women have put their hearts and souls into this training and take this sport very seriously. We have heard the argument that Kimbo is just a sideshow, so imagine what the casual fan will think when two women lock themselves in the cage and their fight begins.

I am a huge supporter of women in mixed martial arts. They train, sweat, and bleed just as much as the men do and they take their craft very seriously. However, if the (very) pretty face of Gina Carano is opened up on Saturday night and she is bruised and bloodied at the conclusion of the fight, CBS and Elite XC can expect some serious backlash come Monday morning.