Gina Carano’s next opponent Kelly Kobold-Gavin
By Jim Murphy August 2nd, 2008
Though there was much talk that the winner of last weekend’s Shayna Baszler/Chris Cyborg bout would get the next shot at EliteXC women’s division covergirl Gina Carano, Carano has apparently opted to face an opponent that isn’t as big and doesn’t hit as hard as the monstrous Cyborg. She’ll fight Kelly Kobold-Gavin at the next Elite CBS card on 10/4/08 in Miami. Kobold-Gavin ran off 16 straight victories before 2 consecutive losses in her most recent fights, though against solid competition. She lost a decision to tough Julie Kedzie (you’ll remember her from Carano’s first high profile TV bout on Showtime) and a submission loss to Tara LaRosa, who’s considered by many to be the best female fighter in the world. She gave a solid account of herself in the LaRosa loss, making it deep into the 4th round (it was a title fight for the BoDog Women’s title) before succumbing to an arm bar. A bigger concern may be inactivity, as she hasn’t fought since August of last year meaning that it’ll be well over a year by fight time.
It might just be us, but she’s also pretty cute herself in a retro pin-up girl kind of way.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:31 am
I dont know Gina but I do know Kelly. Kelly is the toughest fighter out there right now. She has not been in a fight for a while but that dosnt mean she has not been getting ready for it. She trains like an olympic champion and she is dead serious about mma. I have no doubt that Kelly will send Gina home wondering what hit her. No hype. No bull. Just one very tough kid. Kelly is the best there is right now. That will become apparent with this fight. Anyone who thinks Gina is being protected with this fight is “dead wrong”. I laugh when I read that. No one will be laughing a couple minutes into the first round though. GO KELLY!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:56 am
I definitely didn’t mean to imply that Kelly isn’t a tough opponent–its just that prior to the Shayna Baszler/Cris Cyborg fight the ‘word on the streets’ is that the winner would be fighting Carano. Once Cyborg looked as dominant as she did that plan changed.
In any case, thanks for your comments. From what I’ve read about Kelly she seems like a very cool person and a first rate fighter. It’s always hard to tell how fighters will react to long layoffs between bouts, but obviously preparation is key. My primary concern about her heading into this fight (again, without knowing her personally) is how she’ll react to fighting on such a ‘big stage’. I know that Shayna Baszler said that was a bigger deal than she thought it would be and this from someone who’d fought on Showtime on several occasions.
We’re big on women’s MMA here at THE SAVAGE SCIENCE and we’re actually in the process of hiring a writer to cover it fulltime. Once we get her on board I’ll see if she can set up an interview with Kelly.
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I’ve watched a lot of Kelly’s fights, and she is a good fighter. No doubt. BUT I’ve watched every one of Gina’s fights (including those far before she was high profile) and she is not only very talented but also extremely aggressive. I think it will be a good fight, but Gina is going to win. Yes, she’s attractive, but people make that hype over her ability. Gina is the real deal. Gina takes it and dishes it. She’s strategic, she’s quick on her feet, and she’s got a trigger. I have a feeling that when Kelly lands a good strike, that will only trip Gina’s trigger, launcing her into a full scale attack. This one is going to be bloody but GINA HAS GOT THIS ONE.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:33 am
I think this will come down to “heart”. I think Kelly has it on that score. This is a real fight. The best female mma fight yet. Anything can happen. However I stick with my pick. Kelly will have Gina wondering why she ever got in the ring with her. If Gina is not all that you say she is she could get hurt by Kelly. It is my sincere belief that Kelly is tougher, harder,stronger and meaner that Gina. I wish I could be at that fight but I cant get away from work long enough. No matter who wins it will be a great fight. I have known Kelly for 26 years. I am her father and her #1 FAN. I do wish good luck to both women. I always hope for no injuries for both fighters. KELLY HAS GOT THIS ONE.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I think youre right about the “heart” thing. And I have to give respect because I think its awesome that youre such a supportive father. Like I said, I know Kelly is a great fighter. As it stands now, I think she’s top 5 in the world. I do think Gina will pull this one out, but I agree, I do NOT think they are “protecting” her with this fight. I think its a rock solid match up. Gina herself said she believes this to be one of the toughest fights of her life. I wish both girls luck. Im a fan of both. And I think it will be crazy entertaining. They are both a great inspiration to all of us aspiring female fighters. But… gotta stand by my girl Gina
September 27th, 2008 at 6:20 am
You are right about it being “crazy enterntaining”. It is going to be a great fight. I love womens mma sport. It is just great. I will post again when we know the winner. Thanks RhushGrrl.
September 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
No problem. I love womens MMA too. I’ll meet you back here after the fight
October 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
You out there #1 fan? I know Im on pretty quick after the fight but I just thought Id give a shout out to Kelly. She put up a good fight and was a great match for Gina. That said, wooohooo my girl Gina pulled it out! None the less, I still stand by what I said before. Kelly is an awesome fighter. Hope to hear from ya soon #1
October 4th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hey RhushGrrrl. Gotta hand it to you. You called it. I was disapointed in the fight. Kelly never got to unleash her “game”. Gina stayed on her feet. I thouhgt Kellys game plan was wrong. Instead of wasting all her energy and precious time on trying to take Gina down, I think she should have stood toe to toe with her and slugged it out and wait for Gina to make a mistake then take her down and work her ground game. I also think the rounds were to short. Should have been 5 minute rounds. I did not like what I saw with Kelly. Her swings looked wild. She should have rushed Gina and landed better punches. I can hear her coach now saying that I dont know anything. But I know what I saw. It was not the vintage “minnisota mauler”. I think Kelly’s corner overthought this one. I will write more in a couple of hours. You were right RhushGrrl.
#1FAN
October 5th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I agree totally. I think Kelly didnt wanna go toe to toe with Gina, which in her defense, Gina is hardcore heavy handed. But, I knew Gina would anticipate so much clinching, so I imagine she really stepped her game up with it before the fight. Plus I was wondering… how did Kelly drop all her weight? Cuz I think she might have weakened herself. On Gina’s side, I really thought she’d go in and unleash the muay thia kicks. Thats one of her strenhths, but she waited way too late in the game. I think when kelly landed a good punch it pissed Gina off and she wanted to slug it out. I was hoping shed kick out the rounds and wait for kelly to be tired before the slugfest, but like you said, Im no corner coach either. Ha. Either way it was an awesome fight. Went all the way to decision. And I couldnt agree more that elite needs to give the girls 5minute rounds! And why in the world they would only show highlights of the Cyborg fight is beyond me. But anyway, Ive really enjoyed commenting with ya and am anxious to hear back.
Rhush
October 5th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I agree totally. I think Kelly didnt wanna go toe to toe with Gina, which in her defense, Gina is hardcore heavy handed. But, I knew Gina would anticipate so much clinching, so I imagine she really stepped her game up with it before the fight. Plus I was wondering… how did Kelly drop all her weight? Cuz I think she might have weakened herself. On Gina’s side, I really thought she’d go in and unleash the muay thia kicks. Thats one of her strengths, but she waited way too late in the game. I think when kelly landed a good punch it pissed Gina off and she wanted to slug it out. I was hoping shed kick out the rounds and wait for kelly to be tired before the slugfest, but like you said, Im no corner coach either. Ha. Either way it was an awesome fight. Went all the way to decision. And I couldnt agree more that elite needs to give the girls 5minute rounds! And why in the world they would only show highlights of the Cyborg fight is beyond me. But anyway, Ive really enjoyed commenting with ya and am anxious to hear back.
Rhush
October 8th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hi again RhushGrrrl.
Well I am glad to see you agree on what I saw in that fight. I spoke to my daughter about it. She didnt really like what I thought about there game plan. And who really knows. I could be wrong as well. But in the first 10 seconds of the fight I knew Kelly had lost it. She was not closing and playing it to cautious. That is NOT what Kelly is known for. That is what her corner wanted her to do. OK. Enough about that fight.
As her father I wanted this for her so much. But there is a lesson to be learned from losing as well. It is teaching her how to deal with big dissapointments. That is a BIG part of life outside of MMA. And Kelly does have a life outside of MMA. This is strictly dad talking now. Not #1FAN. Kelly has grown so much and has become a really good person because of her MMA sport. Facing disapointments in life is part of “real” life. The fact is that no matter how tough you are there will always be someone tougher. But no one can ever take away that “I can do it” spirit that comes from this competion. I love my daughter very much and I could not be more proud of her. In these moments I love her even more. That is what I see MMA doing for so many women. Again this is dad talking.
WIN LOSE OR DRAW KELLY IS A REAL WINNER!!!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:30 am
You are so awesome. Seriously. Well, I do hope to see Kelly fight more. She puts on a seriously entertaining show. And let it be known, when she’s not fighting Gina (sorry, she’s my girl) Ill always be rooting for her. I love watching her. She did say she has a 3 fight contract with Elite, right? I hope so. Yeah, I thought the game plan seemed off too, but most likely they were just cautious of Gina because they know. One lucky punch from either side can end the whole thing. Im still really shocked it went all the way to decision. But let Kelly know, even if a lot of us out here are pro Gina, that doesnt mean we arent pro kelly in every other fight. We love her for all the same reasons we love Gina. The passion, aggression, and fight in these girls. Put her up against any other fighter, and Im yelling “go Kelly!”
October 9th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Hi Rhush. I will tell Kelly when I call her in the next few days what you said about rooting for her. I know it will give her a boost. I dont know what is in store for her now. I will be asking her that next time we see each other. I hope for thanksgiving. It is tough to have a 3 fight loosing streak. I am anxious to see what is on Kellys mind. I just dont know right now. But I know for sure it will cheer her up when I tell her what you say about her. You know Rhush, I would like to see a rematch with each of the fighters Kelly has lost to. I refuse to believe Kelly dosnt have what it takes to beat these really good fighters. I do honestly think the fights could have a different outcome. I want to see her fight them again so much. I will be bombing the elitexc people with emails asking for that. I must say I was impressed with Gina. That was the first time I saw her fight. WOW!. She made it look easy. I understand why you like her. She is tough and seems like a good person as well. I want a rematch for Kelly. I hope with enough pressure the guys at ELITE XC will get Kelly rematches with TARA and GINA. I will be making it my mission to get that idea across to them.
On a personal note Rhush. Do you compete? Would I be able to see any of your fights on the internet?
I wish I could say I am an awsome dad Rhush. But I am just a dad. All you can do is love your kids and hope they mature into good people. I am lucky that Kelly is doing that. All the credit goes to her.
By the way Rhush my name is Kelly as well. Feel free to call me that.
Kelly
October 11th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Hey Kelly! Yeah Gina is a tough girl. And heavy handed. And I love her attitude. Shes very civil about the whole thing. But I do hope you tell Kelly that a lot of us are waiting to see her fight again. Ive been youtubing what I can, but Id love to see her again on Elite. Id like to see her signed to Elite. As far as me, you cant see me on the internet YET, but Im training right now to fight and cant wait. Im just making certain Im really ready before I go bouncing in the cage only to eat some fist off a girl faster and more experienced. Like Ive told my coaches, Im eager and anxious, but Im not stupid! Ha. I want to make a name for myself, and not for being a short round. But believe me, Ill let ya know the moment I have some film on me. Btw, Ive really enjoyed talking with you and would love for you to keep me up to date on Kelly. My email is readrhush@hotmail.com if ya want to keep in touch. Ill check back here for ya too, but for just in case you ever venture off, we can stay in touch. Oh, and my friends call me Rhush, but my name is Becky
October 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I will stay in touch Rhush (Becky)
Kelly
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Hey, if youre out there #1, I was wondering what you think of Elite XC folding. Where does this leave Kelly? Or Gina. Ugh. I hate Dana White.