Santos v Carano: Battle of the Scale

On August 15, will be a night of first: first woman’s MMA headlining event, first woman’s title contest and the first time the two most recognized figures of women’s MMA battle each other. After years of speculation the question of the “best” woman fighter will finally be answered- in the truest fashion possible: a 5 round meeting of the fists. The only question left is if they will both come in on weight.

Both have struggled with the issue in the past; at the April 11 StrikeForce event "Cyborg" Santos originally weighed in seven-pounds over the 145 limit. Ultimately, she was given extra time to cut weight and dropped to 146 pounds, still several pounds over her opponent. For all her efforts, Gina Carano has also missed weight more than once. Originally she came if over weight for her Kobold, Evinger and Young fights. More than respect you have to take in the concept of the fighter’s health. Weight and hormones affect woman more so than men… woman gain water weight easily and naturally retain a higher body fat percentage. With both women dropping drastic weight in the past, on repeated occasions, you have to consider how they are physically affected by these grueling tasks.

Nevada ring-side physician, Margaret Goodman, explains “It [cutting so much weight] makes no sense physiologically and contributes to a lesser performance. Bottom line, irrespective of the weight class, if a fighter has to cut more than five pounds the week of the fight, they are either unprepared, unhealthy, or fighting in the wrong weight class.” The agreed upon weight of 145# is five more pounds than Carano’s most recent bouts, but is the same weight “Cyborg” Santos missed in April.

With the August match being for a title it’s assumed the CSAC will be less than lenient with weight regulations. I, for one, can only hope both women start getting their weight in check now and continue to work with nutritionist and dieticians… and let’s pray nobody has “girl problems”.




Miss something? Questions? Comments? E-mail me:

samantha.lynn.johnson@gmail.com