Gina Carano Exclusive: MMA Pioneer on 'In The Blood', Life in the Dolomites, and the Fight Game Today

If you were following combat sports in the late 2000s, you'll remember that Gina Carano wasn't just another fighter—she was the face of women's MMA long before the UFC even had a bantamweight division. The woman they called "Crush" was headlining primetime network TV when most promoters still thought women's fights were just a gimmick. Now, after trading the cage for film sets and, more recently, the peaceful alpine beauty of Northern Italy, Carano is finally speaking out.

In a raw and revealing conversation that dropped this week, the 42-year-old sat down to discuss everything from her legacy inside the ropes to her unexpected new chapter living out of a suitcase in the Dolomites. It's the kind of talk fans have been waiting years for—no filters, no PR spin, just straight talk from a woman who has always done things her own way.

From Pioneer to Hollywood and Back to the Mountains

Carano's journey has been anything but predictable. After stepping away from active competition with a record that still turns heads (12-1-1), she dove headfirst into acting, landing roles opposite heavyweights like Dwayne Johnson and later starring in the 2014 action thriller 'In The Blood'—a film where she did her own stunts, reminding everyone why she was once considered the toughest woman on the planet. Lately though, she's swapped the Hollywood spotlight for the rugged trails of the Italian Alps.

"I needed to breathe," she admitted during the chat, reflecting on her time filming a project in the Dolomites. "There's something about the raw energy of those mountains—it clears your head. You're not thinking about scripts or contracts; you're just thinking about making it to the next ridge." It's a far cry from the roar of the Mandalay Bay crowd, but for Carano, it seems exactly where she needs to be right now.

The State of the Fight Game: A Sobering Take

Of course, you can't sit down with Gina Carano without talking about the sport that made her famous. And she didn't hold back. When asked about the current landscape of mixed martial arts—particularly the UFC—her expression tightened. It's no secret that many veterans feel disconnected from the organisation they helped build. Just last month, her contemporary Ronda Rousey didn't mince words, calling the promotion "one of the worst places to go for fighters" when it comes to long-term support and respect.

Carano nodded at that sentiment. "Ronda's not wrong," she said. "We bled for that company—literally. We were the ones taking the risks, putting our bodies on the line, and yeah, the money was good for a while. But what happens after? Where's the pension? Where's the healthcare for the people who nearly died in that cage? It's a cold business, and I think a lot of the newer generation don't realise how quickly it can chew you up and spit you out."

She paused, then added with a wry smile, "That's probably why I'm happier hiking in the Dolomites than sitting in a press conference right now."

What's Next for Gina Carano?

So what does the future hold for the woman who once headlined a card that drew over a million pay-per-view buys? According to those close to her, don't expect a comeback inside the cage anytime soon—though she didn't rule out a grappling match "for fun." Instead, she's focusing on producing her own content, with a particular interest in stories that blend action with authentic emotional depth. Think less superhero flicks, more 'In The Blood' meets alpine noir.

Here's a quick look at what Carano is currently focused on:

• Producing: Developing a passion project set in the Italian Alps that she describes as "Fargo with climbing gear."
• Writing: Working on a memoir covering her life from the cage to the silver screen, packed with "untold stories" from the early days of women's MMA.
• Advocacy: Quietly supporting initiatives aimed at improving post-career care for retired fighters.

As for the possibility of stepping back into the public eye in a major way? "Never say never," she grinned. "But if I do, it'll be on my terms. You won't see me chasing a belt or a paycheck. If I step into the spotlight again, it'll be because the story is worth telling."

For a generation of fans who grew up watching her dominate, that's more than enough. Gina Carano may have left the cage behind, but her voice—and her unique perspective on the fight game—has never been more vital.