Gina Carano: Let Her Have KFC, and Let Her Critics Eat Crow

It is so unfortunate that heroes fall out of favor so quickly with the fans who just months ago sang their praises. 

Take for instance Gina Carano, who was the face of women's MMA last year, but quickly fell out of favor with many of the female fighters she represented after taking a spot on American Gladiators (which to some is on par with being in a Toughman contest).

She was lauded as the hope for bringing women's MMA into the spotlight, albeit through the Elite XC organization rather than the more popular UFC (where women fighting is a definite no-no, according to Dana White). 

Fans praised her to the heavens as being a woman who would risk her life and good looks to walk into the ring and engage in slugging and grappling with an opponent who would also be risking everything to take her out. Gina was said to be one who would do all this "just for the joy of fighting—not for fame or monetary gain." 

Or so her biggest fans said then.

Enter her employment as "Crush" on American Gladiator, and so began her slide down the popularity polls as America's favorite femme fatale.  How fickle of her former fans!

When the fight with Kaitlin Young was announced, the clarion call of a new champion arose, and the ridicule of "the fat girl of MMA" began. 

Kaitlin, a very friendly, humble, and polite young woman I have exchanged notes with, had spent months on rigorous training far beyond most women's imagination, let alone abilities, and presented herself within the weight limit and in spectacular physical condition.

She was truly an awesome sight at the weigh-ins.

In spite of having only three weeks to train after wrapping up filming on AG and having a losing battle cutting weight, Gina pulled off a win by pummeling Kaitlin Young's face to the point of being unable to continue after the second round.  While the fight lasted though, Kaitlin was impressive and game until the very end, whether on the ground grappling or on her feet exchanging blows.

Open the door to another controversy: 

"Gina was over the weight limit and shouldn't have been allowed to fight in the first place."  (The fact that 12% of her purse went to her opponent didn't quiet her detractors).

"Gina was tired and out of shape."  Gina admitted to both of these facts and to her weight problems, and then like the true champion I consider her to be, she praised Kaitlin for her dedication to her training, for coming into the fight in excellent condition, and for being "a kick-ass fighter."

Watching her keep her composure while being interviewed and asked the "dreaded" questions about weight and lack of conditioning and training, I kept thinking of a female MMA fighter I am marginally acquainted with who does not show composure or grace when being criticized. 

I have to wonder how she would have conducted herself in a similar situation.

From what I do know, she surely would preface it by stating: "I am an MMA fighter!"  And I will leave it at that.