UFC President Dana White strongly disagreed with ESPN`s list of top 10 female stars in MMA, citing a significant exclusion.
To celebrate Women`s History Month, ESPN, the official broadcasting partner of the UFC, published a list recognizing women who “broke barriers and elevated women`s MMA to new heights in the 21st century.”
The list included Holly Holm, Megumi Fujii, Miesha Tate, Zhang Weili, Rose Namajunas, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Valentina Shevchenko, Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Amanda Nunes.
While acknowledging these women as some of the greatest fighters, Dana White argued that a key figure was missing.
Dana White Surprised by Gina Carano`s Absence
Gina Carano made a significant impact on MMA, despite a relatively short fighting career from 2006 to 2009.
The fighter, who achieved a 7-1 record, became a prominent figure before transitioning to acting after a defeat by Cris Cyborg.
Despite never competing in the UFC, White believes Carano`s contributions were substantial enough to warrant inclusion on ESPN`s list of women who positively shaped MMA over the last 25 years.
“@ginajcarano not being on the list is INSANE,” Dana White commented on ESPN`s social media post.
Former UFC fighter Josh Thomson echoed this sentiment, questioning Carano`s omission.
Gina Carano Responds to Being Overlooked
Carano expressed her gratitude for White`s support after being excluded from ESPN`s list of influential women in MMA.
In a social media post, she questioned whether ESPN`s MMA journalists were unaware of WMMA history or intentionally rewriting it by excluding her, noting Dana White`s public support.
“No, they will not be re-writing my history. If anything they’re writing themselves into mine,” Carano stated.
“When I get through this I think jaws will drop. Thank you everyone for the support.”
Cris Cyborg, the only fighter to defeat Carano, also supported her, commenting in agreement with White.
“You are an absolute legend,” Cyborg replied.
“The significance our fight had and more importantly the commercial success it proved was capable with women’s mixed martial arts changed the sport of MMA forever.
“I will forever be thankful of that opportunity and hope one day it’s represented on the UFC Hall of Fame for its importance.”
