Gina Carano is returning to the ring. Ahead of her May 16 clash with Ronda Rousey, fans are revisiting the iconic weigh-in that defined her career and put women's MMA on the map.

Many videos of Carano's and Rousey's workout routines and past fights are making the rounds on the internet. And among those videos, a memorable moment was revisited: Gina Carano’s iconic 2009 weigh-in, posted by Karyn Bryant on Instagram.

In the video, Carano is seen on stage preparing for her weigh-in. She stepped on the scale and weighed a perfect 145 lbs.

In 2007, she missed the contracted 140-lb catchweight limit ahead of her fight with Tonya Evinger in EliteXC. Carano was not a typical featherweight fighter and was more on the muscular side, which is why it was hard for her to reach 145 lbs. By the time her Cris Cyborg fight approached, there was immense pressure on her to make weight.

The pressure was magnified because she was the face of women’s MMA at that time. When she stepped on the scale and registered 145 lbs, everything fell into place.

The Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg in August 2009 was not just any other fight. At a time when women’s MMA still battled skepticism, it was the first time women headlined a major MMA event on national television. And Carano, who was the face of women’s MMA, helped push MMA into the mainstream. Nearly two decades later, Carano is returning to the ring.

And Gina Carano Is Training Hard for Her Bout

Before Carano returns for the Ronda Rousey fight on May 16, it will mark a return to the ring after 17 years. That's why she's working closely with John Wood from Syndicate MMA, who's worked with the likes of former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.

Wood revealed, "I can tell you this, she’s fired up. We’re firing on all cylinders already. She’s coming out there to win that fight. There is no intention of just showing up. Showing up’s not good enough. Showing up for me isn’t even acceptable. We’re going out there to win the fight. We’ve got a great team and coaches around us that we’re going to put the best Gina Carano that you’ve seen, especially in a long time. I think she’s going to go out there and do amazing things."

Even with the training, Rousey is the favorite among fans. But as one of the first women's MMA stars, Carano isn't going to give up an inch.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar