The Weekly Wrap: June 6 -- June 12

Carano vs. Cyborg

Strikeforce announced this past week that it has signed what is expected to be the most-watched fight in women’s MMA history. Gina Carano and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos will meet in a five-round bout for the 145-pound title on an Aug. 15 card from San Jose, Calif. The event, which will also feature a lightweight title rematch between Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez, will be broadcast on Showtime. It will be the first major MMA card in the United States to be headlined by a female fight. Tickets for the show go on sale Monday.

The bout has been simmering ever since Carano and Santos had emphatic performances on CBS under the EliteXC banner last year. Carano’s cameos at cageside during Santos' aggressive finishes have added distinct electricity to the fight. Carano, through exposure in Maxim Magazine, on NBC's “American Gladiators” and several national media appearances, has become the preeminent female face in the sport. Her fights on CBS last year drew ratings second only to Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson.

The details of Carano's Strikeforce deal have not been released. While both Carano and Santos have had trouble making weight in the past, the fight’s 145-pound limit would seem high enough to prevent any last-minute drama. It does, however, limit the number of well-known female fighters who could challenge for the belt. Unlike prior nationally televised female fights, Carano vs. Cyborg will be held under the conventional five, five-minute round title match format.