Sherdog’s Top 10: Female Mixed Martial Artists

6. Gina Carano

Carano was a central figure in putting women’s MMA on the map in the United States and not just because of her stunning beauty. After a successful muay Thai career, she made the switch to MMA and won her first seven fights, including decisive victories over former Cage Warriors champion Rosi Sexton and current Invicta Fighting Championship titleholder Tonya Evinger.

“Conviction” rose to prominence within the EliteXC organization, eventually becoming a crossover star in Hollywood: She was cast as the lead in Steven Soderbergh’s thriller “Haywire” in 2011 and has also appeared in “Fast & Furious 6” and “Deadpool.” Carano’s MMA career came to a standstill in August 2009, when she risked her undefeated record against Cristiane Justino in a battle for the Strikeforce women’s featherweight championship. The Brazilian juggernaut stopped Carano with punches late in the first round. The Dallas native has not fought since, despite reported flirtations with the UFC. Carano has elected instead to focus on a lucrative film career. Money talks.

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