Gina Carano’s coach says she’s ‘taking it very serious’ getting ready for Ronda Rousey: ‘This isn’t just a cash grab’
MMA Fighting
February 18, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gina Carano’s head coach, John Wood of Syndicate MMA, is confident in her preparations for her highly anticipated fight against Ronda Rousey on May 16. While Carano has been away from the sport for nearly 17 years, focusing instead on her acting career, Wood emphasizes that she is approaching this comeback with a serious and focused mindset. He highlights her determination to win, noting that success in the cage requires more than just showing up—it demands excellence and dedication. Wood believes Carano’s drive and training under his guidance will position her to perform at her best.
Wood, who has coached numerous top fighters including former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, was initially curious about Carano’s motivation for returning to MMA. He stresses that regardless of the reasons—whether for fame, money, or personal pride—the ultimate goal must be winning. He sees this fight as an opportunity for Carano to prove herself again, not just to win but to do so in a way that shocks the world. Wood acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially given Rousey’s status as a former champion and the odds favoring her victory. However, he believes the underdog role激发sCarano’s best performance.
The fight is significant for several reasons. It marks Carano’s return to MMA after a long hiatus, reigniting questions about whether she can recapture the same intensity that made her a star in women’s MMA. Wood’s unwavering belief in her abilities underscores the importance of mindset and preparation. He points out that both fighters are training rigorously, with the added attention from platforms like Netflix amplifying the event’s magnitude.
For sports enthusiasts, this matchup is not just about two fighters stepping into the cage but about the resilience and determination that define MMA. Wood’s perspective
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/18/2026