Holly Holm is not the only fighter being considered as a potential opponent for Gina Carano, as a new world champion has entered the conversation. The development adds intrigue to Carano's prospective return to combat sports.
Reports suggest Holly Holm may not be the only name on the table when it comes to a potential opponent for Gina Carano, with an unnamed new world champion now also being discussed as a possible matchup for the MMA veteran's prospective return to combat sports. The development remains unconfirmed, and no official announcement has been made.
Carano, nicknamed "Conviction," carries a 7-1-0 professional record and trains out of Xtreme Couture. The 44-year-old American is an orthodox striker who has historically brought genuine finishing threat to her bouts, averaging 4.5 significant strikes landed per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate. She also adds a wrestling dimension, averaging 1.24 takedowns and 1.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a well-rounded profile that would challenge almost any opponent.
Holm, still one of the more decorated names in women's combat sports, holds a 15-7-0 record and trains at the renowned Jackson-Wink MMA facility in New Mexico. The 44-year-old southpaw, known as "The Preacher's Daughter," stands five-foot-eight with a 69-inch reach. She averages 3.13 significant strikes per minute at 40 percent accuracy, and while her grappling output is modest — under one takedown per 15 minutes — her technical striking background makes her a measured and dangerous opponent.
Why it matters
- Carano's return to MMA would be a notable story given her lengthy absence from the sport
- A second potential opponent entering talks suggests genuine momentum around her comeback, even if nothing is confirmed
- Both discussed opponents bring experienced striking games that would test Carano's skills across multiple areas
- The identity of the new world champion in question remains unreported, leaving a key piece of the picture unresolved
