Merab Dvalishvili, a former UFC bantamweight titleholder, expressed astonishment regarding Gina Carano’s impressive form during her training camp for the upcoming bout against Ronda Rousey.
Ronda Rousey, a celebrated UFC Hall of Famer, is set to make a much-anticipated comeback to Mixed Martial Arts, nearly ten years since her prominent career in the Octagon concluded. Following consecutive defeats by Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey appeared headed for permanent retirement until Most Valuable Promotions extended an offer for a fight against Gina Carano.
This event marks Carano’s initial participation in combat sports since her MMA defeat to ex-UFC champion Cris Cyborg in August 2009. At 44 years old, she stands as an iconic figure in women’s MMA, having secured victories in her initial seven professional contests and playing a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for women within the discipline.
Even with Rousey’s extended break from competition, she is regarded as a strong favorite in the Carano matchup, largely owing to the disparity in their ages and Rousey’s exceptional grappling prowess. However, Merab Dvalishvili, a former UFC bantamweight champion and one of Carano’s recent sparring partners, anticipates a major upset that might potentially reflect poorly on the UFC.
Merab Dvalishvili declares Gina Carano ‘genuinely formidable’ prior to Ronda Rousey clash
While speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili offered an unexpected prediction for the impending Rousey versus Carano encounter, having trained alongside one of the sport’s trailblazers.
“Training alongside her was a tremendous privilege. I was astonished by Gina’s level of skill,” Dvalishvili commented regarding Carano.
“Ronda Rousey possesses a judo background, as do I, yet I believe Gina Carano will emerge victorious in this bout. When she used to compete, I was quite young and had never witnessed her fights, but after training with her, I was profoundly impressed and consequently reviewed her past performances. She is truly exceptional!
“This outcome will potentially make UFC fighters appear less formidable, and it might even cast judo in an unfavorable light, but I am confident she will win,” Dvalishvili elaborated on Carano. “Her training regimen is incredibly rigorous…I’ve observed significant transformations in her physique and her approach to training during this camp.”
Carano aims to secure her initial professional MMA victory since defeating Kelly Kobold by unanimous decision in an Elite XC match in October 2008. Regarding Dvalishvili, he is slated to re-enter the UFC Octagon later this year for what could be a third contest against Petr Yan.
What are your thoughts on the potential outcome of Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano? Share your views below!
