Long before women fought for championships in the UFC, Gina Carano stepped into the cage and changed everything. The Dallas-born athlete became the face of women’s mixed martial arts, headlined historic broadcasts, and then shocked Hollywood by transitioning seamlessly to blockbuster films and Star Wars. But her story didn’t end there.
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A controversial social media post in 2021 derailed her Disney career, leading to a high-profile lawsuit that finally settled in 2025. As 2026 unfolds with news of a potential comeback fight against Ronda Rousey, Carano’s legacy remains as complex as it is influential.
This guide covers her MMA record, film career, net worth, relationship status, and the legal battles that defined her post-Mandalorian years.
Quick Bio: Gina Carano at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Gina Joy Carano |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 43 years old |
| Birthplace | Dallas County, Texas, USA |
| Height | 5’8″ (1.73 m) |
| Weight (Fight Era) | 140–145 lbs (Featherweight/Catchweight) |
| Nickname | “Conviction” |
| MMA Record | 7 wins, 1 loss (7-1-0) |
| Fighting Style | Muay Thai, Gaidojutsu |
| Notable Films | Haywire (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Deadpool (2016) |
| TV Role | Cara Dune in The Mandalorian (2019–2020) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $4–5 million USD |
| Relationship Status | In a long-term relationship with Kevin Ross (no public marriage record) |
| Career Span | MMA: 2006–2009; Acting: 2009–present |
Who Is Gina Carano? The MMA Trailblazer Who Became a Hollywood Action Star
Gina Joy Carano is a retired American mixed martial artist, actress, and former Muay Thai champion who compiled a 7-1 professional MMA record from 2006 to 2009 and became known as “the face of women’s MMA” before transitioning to Hollywood roles in Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, and Deadpool.
She gained renewed attention in 2019 for her role as Cara Dune in Disney’s The Mandalorian before being fired in 2021 over controversial social media posts, leading to a 2024 lawsuit against Disney that settled in 2025.
Gina Carano didn’t just compete in MMA, she legitimized it for women. She headlined the first-ever major female MMA event on Showtime, fought on CBS primetime, and proved that women could draw audiences just as powerfully as men. When she retired with just one loss on her record, she pivoted to acting and landed leading roles that capitalized on her physicality and screen presence.
Her career took a controversial turn when Lucasfilm terminated her Mandalorian contract in February 2021 after she posted a Holocaust comparison related to political persecution. The fallout was swift: her agency dropped her, Disney severed ties, and she sued them in 2024 with financial backing from Elon Musk.
The lawsuit settled in 2025 under undisclosed terms, and Lucasfilm issued a conciliatory statement expressing interest in future collaborations. In February 2026, news broke that Carano would return to MMA to face Ronda Rousey in May 2026, a fight 17 years in the making.
What Is Gina Carano’s MMA Record and Fighting Background?
Gina Carano retired from professional MMA with a record of 7 wins and 1 loss (7-1-0), compiled between 2006 and 2009 while competing in EliteXC and Strikeforce. She achieved 3 knockouts, 1 submission, and 3 unanimous decisions before losing via first-round TKO to Cris Cyborg in August 2009, the first women’s fight to headline a major MMA event. Prior to MMA, Carano competed in Muay Thai kickboxing with a 12-1-1 record.
Early Muay Thai Career
Carano began her combat sports journey training in Muay Thai in Las Vegas. She compiled an impressive 12-1-1 kickboxing record and earned national attention for her striking power and technical skill. This Muay Thai foundation, grounded in clinch work, elbow strikes, and devastating leg kicks would later define her MMA style and separate her from many early female fighters who relied primarily on grappling or boxing.
Transition to MMA and Historic Milestones
In 2006, Carano made her MMA debut at World Extreme Fighting, defeating Leiticia Pestova via knockout in just 38 seconds. Over the next three years, she became the most recognizable female fighter in the sport:
Complete MMA Fight Record:
| Date | Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Aug 15, 2009 | Cris Cyborg | Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg | Loss | TKO (punches) | R1, 4:59 |
| Oct 4, 2008 | Kelly Kobold | EliteXC: Heat | Win | Decision (unanimous) | R3, 3:00 |
| May 31, 2008 | Kaitlin Young | EliteXC: Primetime | Win | TKO (doctor stoppage) | R2, 3:00 |
| Sep 15, 2007 | Tonya Evinger | EliteXC: Uprising | Win | Submission (rear-naked choke) | R1, 2:53 |
| Feb 10, 2007 | Julie Kedzie | EliteXC: Destiny | Win | Decision (unanimous) | R3, 3:00 |
| Dec 8, 2006 | Elaina Maxwell | Strikeforce: Triple Threat | Win | Decision (unanimous) | R3, 2:00 |
| Sep 15, 2006 | Rosi Sexton | WPFC 1 | Win | KO (punch) | R2, 4:55 |
| Jun 10, 2006 | Leiticia Pestova | WEF: Orleans Arena | Win | KO (punches/elbows) | R1, 0:38 |
The Cyborg Fight: Historic but Heartbreaking
On August 15, 2009, Carano faced Brazilian powerhouse Cris “Cyborg” Justino at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, for the inaugural Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Championship.
The event became the highest-rated MMA broadcast in Showtime history at the time, drawing 856,000 viewers. Cyborg’s aggression overwhelmed Carano, who absorbed punishing strikes before the referee stopped the fight at 4:59 of the first round. Carano retired immediately afterward, never fighting professionally again, until the 2026 Rousey announcement.
Training Camp and Fight Preparation
Carano trained under renowned coach Greg Jackson at Jackson’s MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her camp emphasized Muay Thai striking, takedown defense, and cardio conditioning. She fought primarily at catchweight (140–141 lbs) or featherweight (145 lbs), which placed her among the heavier female fighters of her era.
How Much Did Gina Carano Weigh as a Fighter? Understanding Weight Cuts in Women’s MMA
Gina Carano typically weighed between 140 and 145 pounds during her MMA career, competing at catchweight (141 lbs) or featherweight (145 lbs). She famously struggled with weight cuts, missing weight for her EliteXC: Primetime fight against Kaitlin Young in May 2008 when she weighed in at 144.5 lbs instead of the contracted 140 lbs, and again against Kelly Kobold when she needed three attempts to make 140 lbs.
Carano’s weight issues were well-documented. At EliteXC: Heat in October 2008, she initially weighed 142.75 lbs, stripped down to 142.5 lbs, and finally hit 141 lbs on her third attempt. These struggles highlighted the physical toll of extreme weight cuts, a practice that has since become more regulated in professional MMA.
Comparison: How Female MMA Fighters’ Weights Compare
| Fighter | Division | Weight Class |
| Gina Carano | Featherweight/Catchweight | 140–145 lbs |
| Ronda Rousey | Bantamweight | 135 lbs |
| Cris Cyborg | Featherweight | 145 lbs |
| Amanda Nunes | Bantamweight/Featherweight | 135–145 lbs |
| Zhang Weili | Strawweight | 115 lbs |
Carano fought at the heavier end of women’s divisions during an era when weight classes were less standardized. Today’s UFC women’s divisions include strawweight (115 lbs), flyweight (125 lbs), bantamweight (135 lbs), featherweight (145 lbs), and the rare women’s 155-lb class.
How Did Gina Carano Lose Weight for Fights?
Carano used a combination of strict caloric restriction, high-intensity training, and water depletion in the final days before weigh-ins. She worked with nutritionists and strength coaches to manage her body composition, but the process was notoriously difficult for her. Interviews from that period reveal she often felt depleted and exhausted, which may have impacted her in-cage performance.
Gina Carano Movies and TV Shows: The Complete Filmography
After retiring from MMA in 2009, Gina Carano transitioned to Hollywood, landing her breakthrough role in Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 action thriller Haywire. She went on to appear in major studio films including Fast & Furious 6 (2013) and Deadpool (2016), before gaining widespread recognition as Cara Dune in Disney’s The Mandalorian (2019–2020). Following her dismissal from Lucasfilm, she starred in Daily Wire productions including Terror on the Prairie (2022).
Major Film Roles
- Haywire (2011) – Mallory Kane
Soderbergh cast Carano as a black ops operative betrayed by her own agency. The film showcased her hand-to-hand combat skills in meticulously choreographed fight scenes opposite Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, and Channing Tatum. - Fast & Furious 6 (2013) – Riley Hicks
Carano played a member of Luke Hobbs’ (Dwayne Johnson) Diplomatic Security Service team. Her climactic fight with Michelle Rodriguez became a fan-favorite sequence. - Deadpool (2016) – Angel Dust
She portrayed the super-strong mutant henchwoman Angel Dust, battling Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Colossus in the film’s explosive third act. - In the Blood (2014) – Ava
A revenge thriller where Carano’s character searches for her missing husband in the Caribbean. - Extraction (2015), Heist (2015), Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016) – Various action roles demonstrating her continued demand in the action genre.
The Mandalorian Era (2019–2020)
Carano’s role as Cara Dune, a former Rebel shock trooper turned mercenary, appeared in seven episodes across Seasons 1 and 2. The character became a fan favorite, and Lucasfilm reportedly planned a spinoff series before her termination. Her firing on February 10, 2021, followed an Instagram post comparing modern political divisions to Nazi persecution of Jews. Lucasfilm’s statement called her posts “abhorrent and unacceptable.”
Post-Disney Projects with The Daily Wire
- Terror on the Prairie (2022) – Hattie McAllister
A Western produced by Ben Shapiro’s The Daily Wire, released exclusively to subscribers on June 14, 2022. The film earned only $13,115 at international box offices but was positioned as a direct-to-streaming success. Budget: $2 million. - My Son Hunter (2022) – Agent Hound
A controversial biopic about Hunter Biden.
Complete Filmography Table:
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
| 2022 | My Son Hunter | Agent Hound | Film |
| 2022 | Terror on the Prairie | Hattie McAllister | Film |
| 2019–2020 | The Mandalorian | Cara Dune | TV Series (7 episodes) |
| 2019 | Daughter of the Wolf | Clair Hamilton | Film |
| 2019 | Madness in the Method | Carrie | Film |
| 2018 | Scorched Earth | Attica Gage | Film |
| 2016 | Kickboxer: Vengeance | Marcia | Film |
| 2016 | Deadpool | Angel Dust | Film |
| 2015 | Heist | Officer Krizia Bajos | Film |
| 2015 | Extraction | Victoria | Film |
| 2014 | In the Blood | Ava | Film |
| 2013 | Almost Human | Danica | TV Series (1 episode) |
| 2013 | Fast & Furious 6 | Riley Hicks | Film |
| 2011 | Haywire | Mallory Kane | Film |
| 2008 | Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 | Natasha | Video Game |
| 2008 | American Gladiators | Crush | TV Series |
| 2005 | Ring Girls | – | Film |
What Is Gina Carano’s Deadpool Character and Role?
In Deadpool (2016), Gina Carano played Angel Dust, a mutant with superhuman strength and durability who serves as the enforcer for villain Ajax (Ed Skrein). Angel Dust engages in a memorable fight sequence with Colossus in the film’s climax, showcasing Carano’s physicality in a major Marvel blockbuster that grossed over $780 million worldwide.
Angel Dust’s comic book counterpart has the ability to stimulate adrenaline production, granting temporary bursts of strength. The film adaptation leaned into Carano’s MMA background, designing fight choreography that highlighted realistic grappling and strikes. Critics praised her screen presence, with Richard Roeper noting she brought “credibility and intensity” to the role.
What Happened with Gina Carano and The Mandalorian?
Gina Carano was fired from The Mandalorian and Lucasfilm on February 10, 2021, after sharing an Instagram post that compared political persecution of conservatives in America to the treatment of Jews during the Nazi regime.
Lucasfilm issued a statement calling her posts “abhorrent and unacceptable,” and talent agency UTA dropped her the same day. The firing sparked intense debate about canceled culture, free speech, and corporate accountability.
Timeline of the Controversy
- November 2020: Carano faces backlash for mocking transgender pronouns by adding “beep/bop/boop” to her Twitter bio and for posts questioning COVID-19 lockdown policies.
- February 2021: She shares a now-deleted Instagram story featuring an image of a Jewish woman being beaten by civilians in 1941 Germany, with text stating: “Jews were beaten in the streets… because history is edited, most people today don’t realize that to get to the point where Nazi soldiers could easily round up thousands of Jews, the government first made their own neighbors hate them simply for being Jews. How is that any different from hating someone for their political views?”
- February 10, 2021: #FireGinaCarano trends on Twitter. Lucasfilm confirms her dismissal hours later.
- February 12, 2021: Carano announces partnership with The Daily Wire, stating, “They can’t cancel us if we don’t let them.”
Did Disney Apologize to Gina Carano?
No, Disney never issued a public apology. However, as part of the August 2025 settlement, Lucasfilm released a statement saying Carano was “always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff” and that they “look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” This conciliatory language represents a dramatic shift from the 2021 termination statement.
Gina Carano Net Worth 2026: How Much Is She Worth Today?
As of 2026, Gina Carano’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 to $5 million USD, accumulated through her MMA career, Hollywood film salaries, modeling contracts, producer credits, and the undisclosed settlement from her 2025 lawsuit against Disney.
Her peak earning years came from Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian, though her post-Disney work with The Daily Wire and independent films generated lower revenue.
Income Sources Breakdown
MMA Earnings (2006–2009):
Carano reportedly earned between $25,000 and $100,000 per fight during her EliteXC and Strikeforce runs, modest by today’s standards but significant for early women’s MMA.
Film Salaries:
- Haywire (2011): Estimated $500,000
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013): Estimated $1 million+
- Deadpool (2016): Estimated $500,000–$800,000
- The Mandalorian (2019–2020): Estimated $25,000–$50,000 per episode (7 episodes)
Daily Wire Projects:
Terror on the Prairie had a $2 million budget; Carano served as producer and lead, likely earning $200,000–$400,000.
Disney Settlement (2025):
The settlement terms remain confidential, but legal analysts estimate it could have included a seven-figure payout plus the public conciliatory statement.
How Rich Is Gina Carano’s Family?
Gina’s paternal grandfather, Don Carano, founded Eldorado Resorts, which later merged with Caesars Entertainment in a $17.3 billion deal. The family also owned the Ferrari-Carano Winery in Sonoma County, California. While Gina benefited from this wealthy upbringing, she has emphasized her independent career path and has not publicly disclosed any inheritance or ongoing financial support from her family’s business ventures.
Is Gina Carano in a Relationship? What About Her Husband?
Gina Carano is not married and has no husband as of 2026. She is reportedly in a long-term relationship with Kevin “The Soul Assassin” Ross, a retired American Muay Thai champion. The two originally dated from 2005 to 2008, separated for nearly a decade, and rekindled their relationship in 2015. Ross publicly confirmed their reunion on Instagram in May 2021, marking 20 years since they first met.
Who Is Kevin Ross?
Kevin Ross (born July 27, 1980) compiled a professional Muay Thai record of 45 wins in 59 fights before retiring in 2021. He held multiple championships including the WBC International Super Lightweight title and the Bellator Kickboxing Featherweight Championship. In a 2021 Instagram post, Ross wrote: “Twenty years ago today you changed me and my life forever… You are my sun. My moon. My starlit sky. Without you, I dwell in darkness.”
Past Relationships
- Henry Cavill (2012–2014): Carano dated the Man of Steel actor in an on-again, off-again relationship that received significant tabloid attention.
- Kit Cope (mid-2000s): Brief relationship with fellow Muay Thai fighter.
Did Gina Carano Have a Crush on Nick Diaz?
This rumor stems from an offhand comment made during a 2008 interview where Carano mentioned she found Nick Diaz’s fighting style “exciting.” There is no credible evidence of any romantic interest, and both parties have denied any relationship beyond mutual respect as fighters.
The Disney Lawsuit: What Was the Legal Battle About?
In February 2024, Gina Carano filed a wrongful termination and sex discrimination lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm, alleging she was fired from The Mandalorian for exercising her First Amendment rights while male colleagues who made controversial political statements faced no consequences.
The suit was funded by Elon Musk’s X Corp as part of his promise to financially back users punished for their posts on the platform. The case was settled in August 2025 under undisclosed terms.
Key Legal Arguments
Carano’s Claims:
- She was terminated for conservative political speech while co-star Pedro Pascal faced no discipline for comparing Trump supporters to Nazis and Confederate soldiers.
- Disney violated California Labor Code Section 1101, which prohibits employers from controlling employees’ political activities.
- The firing constituted sex discrimination because male actors were held to different standards.
Disney’s Defense:
- Disney argued it had a First Amendment right not to associate its brand with Carano’s views.
- The company filed a motion to dismiss in April 2024, claiming her posts “grotesquely trivialized the Holocaust.”
- Disney characterized her speech as “abhorrent” rather than merely political.
Court Proceedings and Settlement
A federal judge denied Disney’s motion to dismiss in late 2024, allowing the case to proceed to trial. Court documents filed August 7, 2025, confirmed a joint stipulation for dismissal with prejudice, meaning neither party can refile. Lucasfilm’s statement expressed interest in future collaboration, an extraordinary reversal from their 2021 position.
Settlement Speculation:
Legal experts estimate Disney paid between $1–5 million to avoid a public trial and the discovery process, which could have exposed internal communications about Carano’s firing. Carano posted on X: “I have come to an agreement with Disney/Lucasfilm which I believe is the best outcome for all parties involved.”
Who Is the Female MMA Fighter Turned Actor? Comparing Gina Carano to Ronda Rousey
Both Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey are pioneering female MMA fighters who successfully transitioned to Hollywood action roles, but they took different paths. Carano retired early with a 7-1 record and built an acting career before women’s MMA gained mainstream acceptance, while Rousey became the UFC’s first women’s bantamweight champion (12-2 record) and leveraged that fame into blockbuster roles in Furious 7, The Expendables 3, and WWE wrestling.
Key Comparisons
| Category | Gina Carano | Ronda Rousey |
| MMA Record | 7-1-0 | 12-2-0 |
| Major Org | Strikeforce, EliteXC | UFC, Strikeforce |
| Championship | Fought for Strikeforce title (lost) | UFC Bantamweight Champion |
| Breakthrough Film | Haywire (2011) | Furious 7 (2015) |
| MMA Retirement | 2009 | 2016 |
| Controversy | Fired from The Mandalorian (2021) | None (mainstream support) |
| 2026 Status | Announced comeback fight vs. Rousey | Announced comeback fight vs. Carano |
2026 Comeback Fight Announcement
On February 16, 2026, Most Valuable Promotions announced that Carano and Rousey will face each other on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, in a highly anticipated Netflix-streamed event. The bout marks Carano’s return after a 17-year hiatus and Rousey’s return after 10 years. Both fighters are expected to compete at a catchweight of approximately 145 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gina Carano’s exact MMA record with fight details?
Gina Carano’s professional MMA record is 7 wins and 1 loss (7-1-0). She achieved 3 knockouts, 1 submission (rear-naked choke), and 3 unanimous decisions. Her only loss came via first-round TKO to Cris Cyborg at 4:59 of Round 1 on August 15, 2009, at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg in San Jose, California.
How much money did Gina Carano make from her Disney settlement?
The settlement amount remains confidential under the terms of the August 2025 agreement. Legal analysts estimate the payout ranged between $1 million and $5 million based on comparable wrongful termination settlements, potential lost earnings from canceled Mandalorian appearances, and Disney’s desire to avoid a public trial.
When did Gina Carano and Kevin Ross start dating?
Gina Carano and Kevin Ross first dated from 2005 to 2008, separated for nearly a decade, and rekindled their relationship in 2015. Ross publicly confirmed their reunion on Instagram in May 2021, noting it was the 20-year anniversary of when they first met. As of 2026, there is no public record of marriage.
What was Gina Carano’s highest-paid film role?
Fast & Furious 6 (2013) likely represents Carano’s highest film payday, with estimates placing her earnings at over $1 million. The film grossed $788.7 million worldwide, making it her most commercially successful project. Her Mandalorian role would have generated ongoing residuals had she not been terminated.
How many times did Gina Carano miss weight in her MMA career?
Carano struggled with weight cuts twice publicly: she weighed in at 144.5 lbs (4.5 lbs over) for her May 2008 fight against Kaitlin Young at EliteXC: Primetime, and she required three attempts to make 140 lbs against Kelly Kobold at EliteXC: Heat in October 2008, initially weighing 142.75 lbs.
What is Gina Carano’s height and reach compared to other female fighters?
Carano stands 5’8″ (1.73 m) with a 66.5″ reach. This places her slightly taller than average for women’s featherweight. For comparison: Ronda Rousey is 5’7″ with a 68″ reach, Cris Cyborg is 5’8″ with a 66″ reach, and Amanda Nunes is 5’8″ with a 69″ reach.
Did Gina Carano win any major MMA awards?
Yes. Carano was named World MMA Female Fighter of the Year in 2008 by the World MMA Awards. She was also ranked #5 on Yahoo’s “Top Ten Influential Women of 2008” list, recognizing her impact beyond just athletic performance.
How much did Terror on the Prairie earn at the box office?
Terror on the Prairie (2022) grossed only $13,115 from limited international theatrical releases in the United Arab Emirates and Russia, plus $804 from a single-day US theatrical screening. The film was produced for $2 million and released primarily as a Daily Wire streaming exclusive, making traditional box office metrics misleading.
What percentage of Gina Carano’s MMA wins came by finish?
Carano finished 4 of her 7 wins (57.1%). This includes 3 knockouts and 1 submission. Her 3 decision victories all came via unanimous decision, demonstrating her ability to dominate full fights when finishes weren’t available.
What is the viewership record set by Carano’s fight against Cyborg?
The August 15, 2009, Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event drew 856,000 viewers on Showtime, making it the highest-rated MMA event in Showtime history at that time. This record demonstrated the commercial viability of women’s MMA and paved the way for the UFC to launch women’s divisions in 2012.
Gina Carano’s Legacy: More Than Controversy
Gina Carano’s career defies simple categorization. She broke barriers in a male-dominated sport, proved that female fighters could headline major events, and transitioned to Hollywood success before most people thought it was possible. Her firing from The Mandalorian and subsequent lawsuit became a lightning rod in debates about free speech, corporate power, and political polarization in entertainment.
But beyond the headlines, Carano’s influence remains measurable: she inspired an entire generation of female fighters, demonstrated that MMA skills translate to screen credibility, and showed that women’s combat sports deserved prime-time television slots.
Her 2026 return to face Ronda Rousey at the Intuit Dome represents more than a comeback fight, it’s a chance to reclaim the narrative of a career defined by risk, resilience, and refusing to be easily defined.
Whether you remember her for breaking Rosi Sexton’s orbital bone, choreographing fight scenes with Michael Fassbender, or standing up to Disney, one truth remains: Gina Carano changed the game. And in 2026, she’s proving she’s not done yet.
