Strikeforce rolled the dice Tuesday by holding a press conference for its upcoming Gina Carano vs. Cristiane Santos 145-pound title fight on August 15 in unchartered territory for MMA: Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre. The event, which features three other title fights, airs live on Showtime. Afterwards, both competitors held a public workout outside MSG. While the obvious point of this event was to promote the upcoming show, it did help raise awareness for a sport which is currently banned in New York State, as many fans were getting their first glimpse of MMA.
FanHouse spoke to Carano about meeting the New York press and her toughest challenge to date. The full video interview is below.
Gina Carano FanHouse Interview from Ariel Helwani on Vimeo.
Carano vs. Cyborg
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos and Gina Carano, who will square off on Aug. 15, strike a pose in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
A packed house awaited Carano and Santos at the Strikeforce press conference at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Gina Carano and Cyborg Santos pose with the title belt during their press conference at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Carano laughs during the Strikeforce press conference at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Santos answers a question during the Strikeforce press conference at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Carano, Santos and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker pose with the title belt up for grabs on Aug. 15 during the Strikeforce press conference at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theatre in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Santos throws a roundhouse kick at her husband, Evangelista Santos, during her open workout in New York City on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Carano trains with Phil Nurse during her open workout on July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
Carano signs autographs for fans after her training session in New York City on July 14, 2009.
Esther Lin, Strikeforce
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