Does women's MMA have a future?
Is there a future for women’s mixed martial arts? Sure, Gina Carano will be headlining the Strikeforce show Saturday on Showtime, but is it really the boon for women’s MMA that most are making it out to be or is the boon solely a credit to Carano?
There’s little doubt that Carano is the reason this is a headlining bout. She’s not only the biggest star in women’s MMA, she’s the only star. It’s good to see her in the featured spot as I think she was grossly underpaid and undervalued by EliteXC.
She is a very capable fighter but the reality is that most people wouldn’t care about this fight if it was between Cristiane Santos -- Carano's opponent Saturday -- and another talented fighter. Right now, women’s MMA is all about Carano.
So what happens if she loses? Does that set the women’s part of the sport back awhile until the “next” Gina Carano comes into the limelight? The women’s division isn’t incredibly deep and you have to wonder how committed Strikeforce is to promoting women’s MMA beyond Carano.
I’m sure everyone at Strikeforce is hoping that’s a question they don’t have to deal with come Aug. 16.
There’s little doubt that Carano is the reason this is a headlining bout. She’s not only the biggest star in women’s MMA, she’s the only star. It’s good to see her in the featured spot as I think she was grossly underpaid and undervalued by EliteXC.
She is a very capable fighter but the reality is that most people wouldn’t care about this fight if it was between Cristiane Santos -- Carano's opponent Saturday -- and another talented fighter. Right now, women’s MMA is all about Carano.
So what happens if she loses? Does that set the women’s part of the sport back awhile until the “next” Gina Carano comes into the limelight? The women’s division isn’t incredibly deep and you have to wonder how committed Strikeforce is to promoting women’s MMA beyond Carano.
I’m sure everyone at Strikeforce is hoping that’s a question they don’t have to deal with come Aug. 16.
Kevin Richardson has been a fan of mixed martial arts competition ever since UFC 3, when 600-pound sumo wrestler Emmanuel Yarborough was beaten by Keith Hackney. Kevin will cover the world of MMA — in Baltimore, nationally and internationally. He plans to take readers into the locker rooms and MMA schools, where they'll hear from local fighters and trainers. If you have a news tip or suggestions for the blog, please 
Comments
I don't really enjoy women's MMA for the same reason I don't enjoy the WNBA. Once you've seen the men it's like watching the minor leagues.
I'm not saying they're not very skilled, but they lack the athleticism, pace, and power of the men.
I suspect that if I feel this way others do as well.
Posted by: Corey | August 13, 2009 2:46 PM
no way jose
Posted by: matt | August 13, 2009 4:32 PM
Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm with Corey on this one and unfortunately, I cannot think of any women's sports that really appeal to me. I hate saying that because it is not meant to be chauvinistic or sexist or anything of the sort, it simply does not pique even the slightest interest in me. Don't get me wrong, a woman like Gina is certainly enjoyable to watch being active, but that has absolutely zero to do with enjoying watching her participate in the sport. She could be doing jumping jacks and it'd be the same. Yes, I know, that sounds incredibly sexist, but it really doesn't have anything to do with not liking women...I LOVE women, it just does not interest me to see them participating in sports. That is not to say women's sports do not have a place, it simply means for me, personally, I'd rather watch grass grow. Sorry ladies, it really and truly is not a slight to you although it may seem so.
Posted by: Nicholas Sadaka | August 13, 2009 4:41 PM
I think her looks overshadow her talent (which is legit). If she looked like the majority of her opponents, this post wouldn't exist.
Posted by: TK | August 13, 2009 4:52 PM
I'm a woman and have been watching MMA since 1996. I tried to have an open mind about women in the octagon, but honestly, it makes me sick! I appreciate their dedication and passion for the sport...but that's it!
Posted by: Logan | August 14, 2009 9:32 PM
Without needing to name anyone personally, some of the earlier comments are bordering on the absurd. I would love to see these comments made to either Carano or Santos personally. Either of these women would probably wax the floor with any untrained guy.
The biggest stumbling block for women's MMA isn't a lack of athleticism, power, pace, or anything of the nature.
It's overcoming misogynistic ignorance that is commonplace in most fans of a sport that glorifies it's brutish aspects at the expense of true technique, skill, dedication, and most importantly: strength of will.
Additionally, Women's MMA doesn't have the stable of fighters that men's MMA has. Carano and Santos aren't just the best two. Right now, they are the only two. They have proven, in wildly entertaining, high paced fights, that no one else belongs in the cage, fighting for the title on Saturday.
Posted by: chris | August 15, 2009 6:27 PM
Chris, are you disputing the claim that the men have more power, are quicker, and more explosive than the women? Really?
You believe that the 145-155 men don't maintain a faster pace in their fights than the similarly weighted women? Really?
Do you think there's a single woman even at 145-155 pounds that could compete with a single male fighter in the WEC's 135 division?
I don't hate all women's sports, I love womens tennis, their longer rallies make for more entertaining television, but when it comes to basketball or MMA I enjoy watching superior athleticism power and pace.
I disagree that makes me some sheep indoctrinated by our androcentric society.
Posted by: Corey | August 17, 2009 11:04 AM
Two barefooted babes beating the hell out of each other in cage. Smokin HOTTT!!! WOOOO
Posted by: Ric in Baltimore | August 18, 2009 1:31 PM