Gina Carano “Has That Fire:” Coach Hints at Return as She Resumes Daily Training

John Wood says Gina Carano is back in the gym daily, and he believes she could fight again if she decides to continue. The veteran coach, who works with contenders at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, described her as someone who regularly trains with professionals and hinted that opportunities could lie ahead even if a fight isn’t signed yet.

Gina Carano is training with pros again and “has that fire” according to coach

Wood explained that Carano has been at Syndicate for the past two months, training alongside active UFC and high-level fighters. He said they focused on getting her back in shape for a few months before she started working with professional teammates. Wood, who has known Carano and her husband Kevin Ross for 20 years, called it “pretty cool” to have them both on the mats and praised the energy they brought to the room. He emphasized that any return is up to Carano, but added that he is confident she still hits hard and is capable of competing if she wants to make a comeback at age 43.

According to Wood, she is “getting fired up” and is “training her hardest,” which has fueled speculation that something may be “on the table” for the former Strikeforce title challenger.

Carano remains one of the most recognizable pioneers in women’s MMA after going 7-1 as a professional. She made her debut in 2006 and took early stoppage time wins before moving to Strikeforce via EliteXC. Her last fight took place in August 2009 when she was confronted Cris Cyborg for the Strikeforce women’s featherweight title; Cyborg won by TKO in a historic main event on Showtime.

After leaving MMA, Carano built a substantial acting career in action roles. She starred in Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Haywire’ in 2011, which showcased her combat background on screen. She then appeared in “Fast & Furious 6” (2013) and the first “Deadpool” film (2016), further establishing herself in Hollywood as a physically credible on-screen fighter. Her best-known role came in the Disney+ Star Wars series “The Mandalorian,” where she played former Rebel shock trooper Cara Dune in the first two seasons between 2019 and 2020.

That streak ended in 2021, when Lucasfilm and Disney cut ties with Carano after a series of social media posts sparked widespread backlash. One post was heavily criticized for comparing the treatment of American conservatives to the persecution of Jews under Nazi rule. Carano later filed a federal lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and political discrimination, arguing that she had been punished for voicing her opinions. In 2025, Disney and Lucasfilm settled the case; The company issued a statement noting her professionalism on set and said they were open to exploring possible future collaborations, while the settlement ended the legal dispute.

With Carano now training daily in Las Vegas and working with a room full of active competitors, the focus has shifted back to whether she could compete again after more than 15 years away from the cage. Wood has made it clear that no fight has been confirmed at this time, but his comments about her consistency, strength and renewed motivation have kept talk of a possible return alive.