Gina Carano is ending her 17-year MMA hiatus for a high-stakes showdown against Ronda Rousey. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Carano detailed a 30-pound transformation and the mental discipline fueling her return to the cage.

"I really want to win. Like, I really want to win. Um, but you know, like everything I've been through, uh, I've gotten in shape and everything."

On 16 April, Gina Carano appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show, and their discussion centered on her cancellation, personal growth, and the training mindset for her upcoming fight against Ronda Rousey.

Talking about her preparations for the fight, she explained her training mindset, admitting that the fight has taken over her mind to the point that her brain wakes up automatically at 3 a.m. to think and plan for the fight. But instead of fighting it, she embraces it.

She is making a comeback after 17 years, and for her, this comeback is all about getting back in shape, competing again, and giving her best performance while aiming to win and close this chapter of her life.

In 2021, Carano faced major backlash for sharing a series of social media posts that many people found controversial. The backlash led to her being fired from her TV show, The Mandalorian. The setback had taken a toll on her mental and physical health, and this fight will be her big return after being away for five years.

So, when Ariel Helwani asked if winning even mattered to her, she gave a direct reply,

"Sitting here is a victory. I get a victory every single day. Um walking out to that cage is going to be a victory. Having that first punch is going to be a victory. You know, every little victory. Um but no, I'm I'm not I wouldn't have taken this fight like if if I thought I couldn't win. And I do believe I can."

How Combat Training Helped Gina Carano Lose 30 Lbs

Carano revealed her combat training helped her lose 30 lbs, and the journey tested her physical and mental toughness. She was training as if she were preparing for a fight.

Her physique was the benchmark of an MMA fighter during her time, but over time, it changed after she stepped back from the ring. During that time, she faced criticism, but instead of wallowing in sorrow, she decided to buckle up. But the transformation was not a day's job.

She started doing high-intensity cardio, striking drills, and strength conditioning. Even her diet was carefully curated to support her training. It helped her regain energy and lose weight at the same time.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil