When was Gina Carano's last fight? Revisiting 2009 first-round title fight loss to Cris Cyborg

While Gina Carano never officially retired, per her own words, it’s been a while since the Texan appeared in a cage. Her last fight was a historic matchup against another trailblazer who’s still active to this day.

Carano’s last fight was a loss against Cris Justino, aka “Cyborg,” in 2009 to determine the first Strikeforce women's featherweight champion. Though she lost, the fight is special for those two being the first women to headline a major MMA event.

It’s the second time Carano broke down barriers. In 2007, Carano beat Julie Kedzie in what was the first women’s MMA fight to be aired on live TV. After winning two more fights, two of the best in Strikeforce faced off for the ultimate bragging rights.

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The fight took place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, with over 13,976 in attendance. Cyborg took out Carano, who wouldn’t compete again until returning in 2026 to take on Ronda Rousey, another trailblazer.

"I get to revive and reveal the fighting side of me because a lot of people either forgot or weren't around the last time I fought," Carano told ESPN. "I've heard people say Ronda Rousey is fighting the girl from 'The Mandalorian.' No, I had a whole life that opened the doors to those movie opportunities, and it was me being a fighter, a genuine fighter who broke a lot of barriers.

"Everything I've gone through leading to this point already feels like a victory, but I'm not fighting Ronda just to say I fought Ronda Rousey. I'm fighting to win."

The Sporting News takes a look back at Gina Carano’s final opponent and the fight.

Who is Cris Cyborg?

Cyborg (29-2, 1 NC) is the only fighter to win a major world championship across five major promotions and is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

A two-time World Jiu-Jitsu Championship gold medalist, Cyborg made her pro debut in 2005, which she lost. She beat Carano to win the Strikeforce featherweight title in 2009. Cyborg has also won the Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator featherweight titles.

Not negotiating a new contract with the UFC, Cyborg left the promotion after going 6-1. While with the promotion, she lost an unbeaten streak that started after her debut loss in 2018 against Amanda Nunes. Cyborg went 6-0 in Bellator, beating Julia Budd in her debut to win the Bellator title.

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In two PFL fights, Cyborg beat Larissa Pacheco and Sara Collins, the latter in December 2025, to win the PFL featherweight belt. Between MMA fights, Cyborg has competed in boxing matches, going 7-0 since 2022.

A top-tier striker, Cyborg has 21 wins via knockout in the cage. She’s won five boxing fights via the power punch.

What happened in Gina Carano’s last fight?

Both traded strikes to start, but it was Cyborg who got the edge early with leg kicks by the cage. She landed a takedown, but Carano ended up on top. While Caramo attempted to land punches, Cyborg locked in a leg lock and a heel hook.

Carano fought back as best as she could, but Cyborg was too strong. She got onto Carano’s back and landed ground and pound shots. Back up, they traded blows. Another takedown from Cyborg, but once again, Carano ended up on top. She had a slight edge, if only for a moment.

The energy in the crowd was electric. The women used it to motivate them. Cyborg got pushed back for the first time, but quickly recovered with a right. She caught a body shot and kicked Carano from behind. Carano with a right hook and tried to press forward, but Cyborg was having none of it.

Walking her down, Cyborg forced Carano down to the floor. Back up, Cyborg was walking through punches. In the clinch, Cyborg forced Carano to the floor and stayed on top this time. She tried a submission. By the fence, Cyborg landed ground and pound shots. Right before the bell, the referee waived the fight off.