From Cyborg vs. Carano to Harrison vs. Nunes: How One Fight Lit the Flame for a New Era
Back in 2009, something historic happened. Two women—Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg—stepped into the cage to headline a major MMA event on Showtime. It was the first time women had ever closed the show in such a spotlight, and it wasn’t just a fight—it was a statement. With just one second left in the first round, Cyborg stopped Carano to win the Strikeforce women’s featherweight title. That moment lit a fuse that’s still burning in 2025.
For old-school fans, that fight showed us that women could draw, dominate, and deliver at the highest level. Cyborg’s raw power and aggressive style put fear in the division. Carano, a fan-favorite with crossover appeal, retired after the loss, making that her last stand. But the buzz around their fight sparked something much bigger: it gave women’s MMA real momentum.
Fast forward to today, and we’re watching the evolution of that legacy in real time. Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes could be more than just a superfight—it would be the modern version of Cyborg vs. Carano, but with more stakes, more skill, and more eyes. Just like Carano and Cyborg did for their era, Harrison and Nunes represent the very best of women’s MMA. The excitement of this potential match-up reminds us just how far women’s combat sports have come—and how much further they can go.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tuning in, this fight could be history repeating itself—but with better technique, deeper divisions, and greater respect. The torch has officially been passed.