Aug 15 STRIKEFORCE FORECAST: CARANO VS. SANTOS

By: Jordan Small - MMA HANGOVER

It has been over a year in the making, with all the hype and talk among mixed marital arts hardcores on chat forums along the way, who is the undisputed woman of MMA? The options have been two women and only two women, similar to who is the greatest boxer of all time, Ali or Tyson. This Saturday night it comes down to either Carano or "Cyborg". This is the history making bout that will determine who is at the top of the woman's MMA division when Strikeforce finally gives us the highly anticipated main event which will be five - five minute championship rounds for Strikeforce's 145 lbs. women's title.

Gina Carano, also known as "The face of women's MMA" brings a perfect 7-0 record into this bout with 4 wins by TKO or submission. Carano trains out of one of the world's premiere camps, Xtreme Couture, so it's a given a solid game plan has been carefully laid out for her counterpart, Santos. One thing you can't question about Carano is her heart and she'll fight this battle until the bitter end. If I had to bet on it, Gina will most likely be looking to take the fight to the ground and utilize her jiu jitsu rather than stand and trade with the dangerous "Cyborg".

 

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos also has seven victories to her name and one defeat which came in her debut in '05. Santos is a very aggressive fighter and will push the pace in their championship bout. Without a doubt, Cyborg will be looking for a highlight reel finish, as history shows five of her seven wins have come by weigh of knock out or technical knock out. An obvious key to victory for Cyborg is to keep the fight on their feet and strike with Carano.

MMA Hangover's Prediction: A lot of mutual respect has been expressed between both fighters but come Saturday both females will have their game faces on and all love will be lost. I see Carano being the more accurate striker but Cyborg will be the more explosive one. MMA fans will find out very quickly who holds the upper hand in this one. Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos by second round submission for the win.

Gary Whittaker's Prediction: As a stand up fighter, Gina Carano is the real deal. She hits harder, and more accurately than any other female in the MMA game today. Cyborg is the better ground fighter, and if this fight goes to the ground more often than Carano would like, Santos will end up being the victor. That being said, I think Santos wants to test Gina's standup, and if that is the case, Carano will demonstrate that she is the best in the business. This is the first time either fighter will be in 5 minute rounds, and I think it will play a factor in the fight. Predicion: Carano by decision.

Tags: Carano \ Cyborg \ MMA \ Santos \ Strikeforce

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