Gina Carano talks to MMA Rated and shows, once again, that she's a humble and effective ambassador for the sport. Will MMA bloggers stop hating on her after seeing this video? Not likely. Expect to see more "Kelly Kobold-Gavin is the greatest striker in the history of women's MMA" posts in the coming weeks.
about 1 year ago
jemaleddin
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Unless it's a vid of her making weight ...
I’d expect continued blogger enmity.
by The Ghost of Spike Owen on Sep 19, 2008 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really don't "like" her...
…but I do respect many of the things that she brings to the sport. Some of my problems with her are actually problems with EliteXC and the way that they market/showcase her; probably not fair, but when you take point, you get hit first. Some of my problems with her do in fact stem from her failures to make weight, which considering they created a weight class just for her is pretty damning, but she can win me over by actually hitting her numbers once in a while. Some of my problems with her stem from the fact that I just don’t “get” her – the intangibles, I guess you’d say – but I try not to let that cloud my judgement. I’ve come around to believing that, while I’d still like to see some changes in the way that she’s marketed, she’s not “bad” for the sport, and I do think she’s going to annihilate Kelly K-G. But I still don’t have to like her.
by AJB on Sep 19, 2008 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think most of the “hate” towards her, is from the Roger Huerta effect. An up and comer, who can fight, but more importantly, is marketable. They receive a huge amount of hype (whether deserving or not, seems not to matter), while fighters that have been around much longer, continue to struggle for attention.
Examples…Gina, Huerta, Kimbo, Lesner. Not saying i agree or not, just offering a possible reason.
Of course, her missing weight only perpetuates this feeling, at least amongst hard core fans like us, who consider that a huge sin. This is where most of the bias seems to come from, the hard cores that is. Ask a casual fan, and they usually will be big fans of the aforementioned fighters, as well they should be.
Combine that, with the American fascination with rooting for the underdog, and this may be the result you get. We all love seeing the favorite get knocked down a notch (see the NY Yankees) and we love the underdog story (Tampa Bay???).
"The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'"
by BJJDenver on Sep 19, 2008 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
America also has a fascination with rooting for attractive women (myself included). We’re seeing it now with Sarah Palin.
by steak_knife on Sep 19, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a bit of an unfair comparison. Carano actually has a lot of the skills she’s being advertised with and has a ton of potential.
by Gong on Sep 19, 2008 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This post seems unfair, so I'll say
that Carano has repeatedly proven that she’s got a lot of the skills being advertised, and has even more potential. We just don’t know about Palin. Palin is more like Brock Lesnar than Gina Carano, to be fair. Thrown into the deep end at the ‘beginning’ of her career and told to swim with the sharks, while we have very little reason to believe dominance is likely.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Sep 19, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, I would have used Palin and Kimbo. A mean hockey mom from the mean streets of Mooseknuckle Alaska, meth capitol of the free world and gateway to Fedor.
"The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'"
by BJJDenver on Sep 20, 2008 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think she knows Fedor?
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 20, 2008 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, she can see him from her house.
"The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'"
by BJJDenver on Sep 20, 2008 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get the problems with her making weight – I even wrote what I like to think are some pretty insightful things about it here and here – and making fun of her for that is totally fair game. Rooting against her I get. It’s when the blogosphere collectively puts their money down on her opponent that I start scratching my head. I mean, she’s beaten three of the big name opponents in women’s MMA, and I don’t see anybody else out there that can hold a candle to her at the moment. (I love you Roxy, but DAMN has Gina got good standup!)
I mean, I don’t know WHO to pick in Couture/Lesnar, but I’m not going to let the fact that I HATE Brock make me act like Couture is going to steam-roll him. That fight’s a complete mystery at this point because of Randy’s age and Brock’s lack of experience, either of which could be the deciding factor.
Dissing her I get – but when people let that color their perceptions so much that they start acting like Kaitlin or Kelly stand a chance against her, it sounds a little silly.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 19, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we admit that she’s 99.9% likely to win, is it still wrong to hope for the other 0.1% chance?
by AJB on Sep 19, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say of course it's not wrong to root for the 0.1%.
But I think it needs to be framed in that light for your intentions to be correctly conveyed. Otherwise it is likely to come off as simple hating and/or misunderstanding of her true talent. This doesn’t mean you have to give odds each and every time, but it does mean that likelihood of outcome must be addressed, even indirectly, during posts concerning her upcoming fights and your preference to see her pretty little face get all busted up.
Nothing wrong with wishing a little beat-down on a hated fighter. We do it to Kimbo all the time, which I’m assuming is part of the marketing strategy.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Sep 19, 2008 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course with Kimbo...
it’s an actual possibility if he gets put in against a legit heavyweight and/or doesn’t have $kala (what a stupid nickname) screaming at the ref from ringside. One of the things that frustrates me about Carano is that there AREN’T many women capable of giving her a big beatdown, but part of it is the “protected” weight class (fighting bloated 135ers is a lot easier than fighting the 145ers she should fight), and part is that she’s just that good of a striker. So hoping for a Gina beatdown is a much longer shot than a Kimbo beatdown, I’d say.
None the less, I still kinda hope for it.
by AJB on Sep 19, 2008 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The issue with her weight/weight class are perfectly valid criticisms
and should be repeated until she gets a handle on it. Being a wrestler, it’s really hard for me to understand why she can’t get it figured out. I once cut eleven pounds in a day of practice, and we only practiced for like three hours at most. Buffing the ‘lytes and sitting in a sauna would almost certainly be an easier way to shave off a pound or two, if you’re having trouble making weight.
And personally, I think most of the people that have a problem with Carano’s weight class also have a problem with Brock Lesnar cutting weight to be a HW. To me, though, it’s just part of the game. They found a marquee fighter who was too big for their other divisions, so they made her a whole new one. Not a new notion, but you’re right to want her to be more dominant in the fights, and more respectful of the weight class and weight limits.
So yeah, the whole weight issues surrounding her are perfectly valid issues. And I think I’m a big fan of hers. It would be really something to know her in private life..what a rare woman.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Sep 19, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Palin comparison is apt.
Both are more sizzle than steak.
by The Ghost of Spike Owen on Sep 19, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, they both have the same amount of foreign policy experience.
But seriously: Gina is a top notch striker in Muay Thai, and she’s far superior to most of her competition in MMA. Did you watch her dismantle Kaitlin Young? That was brutal.
Also: way prettier than Palin, and would do a much better job as VP.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 19, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(Wait, Gina’s actually gone to Thailand, right? So she has way more foreign relations experience than Palin.)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 19, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if you count beating the crap out of old women
foreign relations, then sure, she’s got some experience in that field.
For some reason I get the feeling that’s not how most people on this blog would like our ambassadors to be known, as the butchers of grandmothers.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Sep 19, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I’ll take “foreign relations” off my resume then…
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 19, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would venture to say that the fact Gina didn’t get her passport one year ago would give her the advantage in the foreign policy department. Where I think Sarah Palin may catch up is in the shooting defenseless animals from long distances department.
(formerly TheFightJournal)
by Lucas2 on Sep 20, 2008 3:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you guys think you could keep your political commentary to a minimum?
by Richard Wade on Sep 19, 2008 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought we were. I’ve never bothered to write that fanpost about how Obama’s submission defense is weak and Biden’s striking is like being in a pillow fight. And don’t get me started on McCain’s takedowns – that is the worst high crotch I’ve ever seen.
But making fun of Sarah Palin at the moment is part of the zeitgeist and exists outside of politics. It’s a pop culture reference more than anything.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 19, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've got to agree on this one.
I think it’s been kept pretty well in the ‘entertaining pop-culture’ column in this thread thus far.
Also, those were pretty hilarious in your first paragraph. I’d have written about Obama’s takedown defense being thoroughly impressive (and his ability to use the cage to his advantage), whereas McCain is clearly well-versed in submission defense, having fended off brutal attack after brutal attack for his approximate two hundred and fifty years of political career.
Then I’d compare the fight to Bisping vs. Evans, but that’s just how I see it.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Sep 19, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what their respective gas tanks are like. McCain seems to be counting on some bizarre aquatic approaches to keep him going, while Obama is like a weird Luke Cuomo cleansing kind of guy…
Oh, political humour. It keeps on giving.
by AJB on Sep 19, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's so true.
Also, each man’s stand-up game is questionable at best. Neither one has displayed anything resembling impressive power in the striking game, having failed to KO any of their previous opponents (Obama won a split decision vs. Clinton, and Romney, McCain’s biggest opponent, was DQ’d at his own request early in the second round).
Both of these fighters have some serious questions that need to be asked, and right now they’re still feeling each other out, landing some weak leg-kicks and staying on the outside.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Sep 19, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then I’d compare the fight to Bisping vs. Evans, but that’s just how I see it.
Yer back on Kobald/Gina, right? Sorry to jump in like this, but I cannot believe how apt that is. I couldn’t put my finger on it about Kobold, but that’s it. Oh man, that’s good. You continue to rock Mr Jonez.
by asa on Sep 21, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH!
And now a graphical response:
See: we’re just following the rules.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 21, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey jems
Come aerate my lawn for me. You clearly have too much time on your hands.
by mythbuster on Sep 21, 2008 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I didn’t make it, I just linked it!
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 22, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gina & Sarah
It was my fault for bringing her up. I’m utterly fascinated by both women. My apologies, Jems.
by steak_knife on Sep 21, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Richard’s the one who doesn’t like the Palin-Droning.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Sep 22, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually thought the Carano/Palin comparison was only applicable on the surface, but it’s actually turned out to be a pretty informative. The comments show how dislike for a person, for whatever reason, seems to snowball. Once it’s demonstrated that it’s acceptable to disparage someone, it’s a lot easier for others to also be vocal and jump in.
On the topic of Ms. Carano, I think that, while much of the backlash against her is to be expected due to her rapid rise to fame, EliteXC has done a lot to magnify the problem by being so blatant in their desire for her to be “the face of female MMA.” It’s just like Kimbo. She needs to be challenged by her competitors and her promotion, alike. I really don’t like EXC, or whoever, trying to mold her into a star. Gina could be treated more like the other competitors and be the draw that the promotion needs her to be. I think fans wouldn’t be as negative towards her, either. EXC had the chance by taking a hard line on the weight issue. The perception is that she’s more smoke and mirrors than elite athlete. Gina has to find a way to change this perception if she wants the respect of some of the hardcore followers of MMA. It really doesn’t matter in regards to the broader public at this point, because they generally don’t give a shit about MMA rules and regulations.
by Cannon Jacques on Sep 21, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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