Gina Carano's comeback fight against Ronda Rousey is a highly anticipated event, and her preparation has been the talk of the town. Her head coach, John Wood, and teammates have praised her dedication and transformation, highlighting her power and speed as key assets. Wood, in particular, emphasizes the importance of using her power and speed effectively, drawing a comparison to a 'freaking horse' in terms of kicking strength. The recent UFC signee, Lucas Brennan, has been working alongside Rousey and is in awe of Carano's improvements, describing her as 'a grown f*cking man' in terms of her striking power. Brennan and his brother, Tyler, have been instrumental in Carano's training, along with her husband, Kevin Ross, and Chris Brennan, who has been coaching her in grappling and jiu-jitsu.
Brandon Jenkins, another coach at Syndicate, has also been impressed by Carano's progress, noting her ability to crack pads and her overall transformation in the last year. However, the biggest question mark remains: how will Carano handle Rousey's world-class grappling skills? As an Olympic bronze medalist in judo, Rousey is known for her ground game and her ability to take opponents down and submit them with her signature armbar. Wood acknowledges the challenge but remains confident in Carano's ability to counter Rousey's attacks, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded strategy.
Wood's approach to coaching Carano is unique, focusing on preparing her for every possible scenario rather than over-game planning. He believes that Carano's base is strong, and she has been taking people down and defending takedowns effectively. The coach's goal is to put Carano in the best possible position to execute her strategy in the fight, rather than making her afraid of the ground. This balanced approach, combined with Carano's natural power and speed, makes her a formidable opponent.
The fight between Carano and Rousey is expected to be a thrilling display of skill and strategy. While Rousey is heavily favored to win, Carano's preparation and unique strengths could potentially lead to a surprising outcome. The outcome of this fight will not only determine Carano's future in MMA but also shape the perception of women's MMA as a whole. It will be a testament to the sport's growth and the increasing competitiveness of female fighters.
