The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is abuzz with the potential return of Gina Carano, a former champion who made a highly anticipated comeback at the weekend. While her loss to Ronda Rousey was swift and decisive, it has sparked a debate about the future of Carano's fighting career. As her coach, John Wood, weighs in on the matter, it's clear that the decision to return to the octagon lies with Carano herself.
Wood, who played a pivotal role in Carano's preparation for the Rousey bout, believes that the experience of stepping back into the cage, despite the outcome, has reignited a passion for fighting in Carano. He suggests that the loss, while disappointing, has not dampened her enthusiasm for the sport. In fact, Wood sees this as a turning point, an opportunity for Carano to rediscover her love for fighting and the thrill of competition.
"I do not believe that that itch has been scratched yet for Gina, but we'll see," Wood said in an interview. "There's a lot of things already coming at her. I could tell you, behind the scenes, there's a lot of activity already, so ultimately the decision is hers. It was never a need for money. This was a personal thing for her to come back and do this."
Wood's perspective is intriguing, as he hints at a deeper motivation for Carano's return. He suggests that the loss, rather than being a setback, has opened up new possibilities. The coach's belief in Carano's continued fighting prowess is evident, and he sees her as a force to be reckoned with in the right matchups.
"Truthfully for me, she found the love of fighting again. And as a coach, I see somebody in the room who, she can still fight. And there's a lot of people that she can still beat, I guarantee you," Wood added. "You know, I think with the right matchups and the right, fair matchups, that we can have some fun out there. So we'll see what she decides to do."
The loss to Rousey, while a setback, has also served as a catalyst for reflection and a renewed sense of purpose for Carano. At 44 years old, she has already achieved a remarkable feat by losing 100 pounds and stepping back into the cage. This, in itself, is a victory, and it has left her contemplating her future in the sport.
Wood's personal opinion is clear: he wants to see Carano fight again. He envisions a scenario where she can focus solely on fighting, free from the pressures of weight cuts and other distractions. This, he believes, would allow her to rediscover her fighting spirit and have some fun in the process.
"I personally would like to see her do it again," Wood said. "I personally would like to see her take the work that we did and actually have another camp that would be focused on just fighting because all the hard work, the bullsh*t, the weight cut has been done. I would love to see her have another camp and do a fun fight."
While the decision ultimately rests with Carano, Wood's enthusiasm and belief in her abilities are infectious. He sees a fighter who has not been fully scratched, and he envisions a future where she can once again grace the octagon with her presence. The question now is whether Carano will heed her coach's advice and return to the sport she loves.
In my opinion, the loss to Rousey has opened up a world of possibilities for Carano. It has given her a chance to reassess her priorities and rediscover her passion for fighting. With the right matchups and support, she could make a triumphant return to the MMA scene. The fight may not have gone her way, but it has ignited a fire within her, and that, in itself, is a victory.
