Gina Carano, the face of women's mixed martial arts, bashed in the face of Kelly Kobold tonight, winning an entertaining decision on tonight's EliteXC: Heat card. Carano landed the first strike of the fight with an overhand right just seconds into the first round. After that Kobold moved to the inside and the first round didn't see a lot of action, but Carano did open up a cut on Kobold's face and clearly won the round.
The second round was closer, with both fighters landing some strikes, Carano starting to use her feet and knees, and Kobold landing a takedown in the closing seconds.
In the third round Carano established her dominance, attempting a submission with a standing rear-naked choke and landing multiple kicks to Kobold's head. Although Carano wasn't able to finish, it was clear by the end that she would win the decision.
The judges scored 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27.
"I feel good," Carano said afterward. "I feel like I was just in a fight. That's the best feeling."
Carano indicated after the fight that she expects to fight Cris Cyborg (who won a fight on tonight's undercard) next. Carano vs. Cyborg would be the biggest fight in the history of women's MMA.
Carano improved her pro MMA record to 7-0. Kobold fell to 16-3-1; she is now on a three-fight losing streak.
Other EliteXC results:
Gina Carano beats Kelly Kobold by unanimous decision.
Andrei Arlovski knocks out Roy Nelson.
Jake Shields submits Paul Daley.
For more coverage of EliteXC: Heat, head to Showtime's site.
EliteXCs Wild Night of Fights
Seth Petruzelli celebrates after beating Kimbo Slice by TKO in 14 seconds at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Seth Petruzelli punches Kimbo Slice by TKO in 14 seconds at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Seth Petruzelli punches Kimbo Slice by TKO in 14 seconds at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Seth Petruzelli punches Kimbo Slice by TKO in 14 seconds at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Andrei Arlovski celebrates after beating Roy Nelson at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Andrei Arlovski knees Roy Nelson at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Andrei Arlovski punches Roy Nelson at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Andrei Arlovski punches Roy Nelson at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Roy Nelson punches Andrei Arlovski at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
Gina Carano celebrates after beating Kelly Kobold at 'EliteXC: Heat' on Saturday, October 4, 2008, hosted at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Tom Casino, CBS-SHOWTIME
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