Disney Snubs Gina Carano, Leaves Her Off ESPN's Top Women Fighters List

In an apparent case of Disney altering historical events, ESPN—the prominent sports media corporation under Disney’s ownership—unveiled a list of the “Top 10 Women Who Revolutionized MMA in the 21st Century”… and surprisingly left out Gina Carano, who significantly contributed to the development of women’s MMA into what it is now. Indeed, ESPN omitted the very same Gina Carano who played a pivotal role in shaping women’s MMA.

The following list showcases some remarkable figures, such as Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, Holly Holm, and Cris Cyborg. This list was introduced with the slogan: “Champions, pioneers, future Hall of Famers, and legends … these women have broken barriers and brought women’s MMA to incredible new heights.”

In this version, I have tried to maintain the original meaning while making the text more accessible and natural for readers. The use of the active voice (“these women have broken barriers”) helps emphasize the accomplishments of the individuals mentioned in the list. Additionally, I replaced “unprecedented” with “incredible new heights” to convey a sense of awe and respect for their achievements.

However, surprisingly, the woman who significantly boosted women’s MMA into the national limelight – she was the one who spearheaded the first significant televised female MMA bout and contributed to the acceptance of the sport – wasn’t even acknowledged.

Even Dana White, the president of UFC, strongly disagreed. He criticized the list and publicly accused Disney of such underhanded behavior.

Dana White, UFC’s president, wasn’t pleased at all. He spoke out against the list and pointed a finger at Disney for their sneaky move.

“Gina Carano not being on the list is INSANE,” he said blasting the ESPN list.

Carano, never one to back down, took to X to clap back at Disney and ESPN directly.

You think @espnmma :

Is there a lack of experienced journalists who understand the true history of Women’s Mixed Martial Arts, or are they attempting to redefine history by excluding me from the narrative?

Even Dana @danawhite called them out.

No, they will not be re-writing my history. If anything they’re writing themselves into…

— Gina Carano (@ginacarano) March 29, 2025

You may wonder if ESPN’s MMA team lack qualified journalists with a deep understanding of women’s MMA history, or are they attempting to re-shape history by excluding me? Gina Carano posted on X, and even Dana White called them out. I assure you, they won’t be altering my narrative. Instead, they might find themselves part of it. After overcoming this challenge, jaws will certainly drop. Thank you for your support.

It’s challenging not to view this as Disney continuing their apparent feud with Carano, whose dismissal from The Mandalorian in 2021 following a social media post about a meme led to significant criticism. Since then, Carano has emerged as a figurehead for those resisting cancel culture, receiving admiration from fans who appreciate her genuine stance over corporate censorship.

If Disney and ESPN fail to acknowledge Gina Carano’s deserved accolades, we will step up to do so instead. Here is the story they are attempting to hide from view:

The Trailblazing MMA Career of Gina Carano

MMA Record: 7-1

Years Active: 2006–2009

Promotions: EliteXC, Strikeforce

Backstory: Carano initially ventured into Muay Thai with a record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. This was motivated by her former boyfriend, who was a professional fighter named Kevin Ross.

Key Fights and Achievements:

First-Ever Sanctioned Women’s MMA Bout in Nevada

Defeated Leiticia Pestova in 38 seconds.

Defeated Rosi Sexton at World Pro Fighting

Won via KO late in Round 2.

First Female Fight in Strikeforce (Dec 8, 2006)

Beat Elaina Maxwell via unanimous decision.

• First Televised Female Fight on Showtime (Feb 10, 2007)

Beat Julie Kedzie in what was called “Fight of the Night.”

First Submission Win (Sept 15, 2007)

Defeated Tonya Evinger with a rear-naked choke.

EliteXC: Primetime (May 31, 2008)

Defeated Kaitlin Young after failing to make weight by 0.5 pounds; still fought and won.

Defeated Kelly Kobold (Oct 4, 2008)

Won by unanimous decision despite early takedown challenges and weight controversy.

Historic Championship Bout:

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg (Aug 15, 2009)

The first major women’s MMA championship bout. Though Carano lost to Cris Cyborg by TKO at 4:59 of Round 1, the fight was monumental in legitimizing women’s MMA on a national stage.

More Than a Fighter

Gina Carano didn’t merely engage in cage matches against adversaries; she waged battles against preconceived notions, shattered boundaries, and put the spotlight on a sport often overlooked by many. Before Rousey and Nunes, it was Gina Carano who ushered in a new era of acceptance.

It’s quite obvious that her accomplishments are being intentionally ignored by ESPN, and this is not merely an accident – it’s part of a recurring trend. Fans are growing increasingly aware of this pattern each time Disney attempts to act as if she never contributed anything.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m closely following the developments surrounding Gina Carano’s legal battle against Disney and Lucasfilm. Given that she’s actively suing these companies for alleged wrongful termination and discrimination, which is backed by Elon Musk’s X Corp, it’s quite intriguing. The lawsuit alleges that they targeted her due to her personal views and applied social media rules selectively. With the discovery process ongoing, Carano has promised to unveil the truth behind her dismissal.

In any setting, whether it’s inside the Octagon, on the screen, or even in a courtroom – I stand firm alongside Gina Carano. No carefully curated or biased list can diminish the achievements she has made.

2025-03-30 22:55

Disney Snubs Gina Carano, Leaves Her Off ESPN’s Top Women Fighters List — Dana White Reacts

The Trailblazing MMA Career of Gina Carano

Key Fights and Achievements:

Historic Championship Bout:

More Than a Fighter

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