While the internet celebrates Dana White’s change of mood regarding Gina Carano, I remain very skeptical of the plan to bring her to the WEC. For better or worse, the WEC is a novelty promotion. Due to its lack of exposure and funds, it doesn’t get much attention, which is why the followup to Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver did just half as well as that fight.
Enter Gina Carano, the third biggest free television draw in MMA history, behind Tito Ortiz and Kimbo Slice. She may even be bigger than Tito, because she drew ratings completely on her own as opposed to being in a big title fight or in a big grudge match built over months on a reality show. Not only were her gains unbelievable, they came mostly in the target demographic of males 18-34.
So here’s the question: why in the world do you take the third biggest TV draw in MMA history and put her on a show where the maximum possible rating is probably something like a 1.2? It makes no sense, it’s a complete waste, and it’s reeks of condescension. There is no reason to “test the waters.” The waters have been tested, and women’s MMA passed with flying colors.
I was at UFC 91, and during a break between fights I got up to get a drink, and saw Carano entering with a group toward her seats. She was absolutely mobbed by adoring fans, the same fans who would certainly accept her fighting in the UFC. Surely there is room when UFC cards are filled with fights like Cheick Kongo vs. Mustapha Al-Turk.
If they really need to “test the waters,” they should do Carano vs. Santos on the Spike TV special scheduled for February 7th. In the main event, it will outdraw just about anything they can do in that spot.