Amanda Serrano is best known as the unified feather‑weight champion who has dominated women’s boxing for years. What many fans don’t realize is that she also has a modest but unbeaten record in mixed‑martial arts. In a recent interview, Serrano confirmed she’s eager to step back into the cage and even named former UFC star Gina Carano as a dream opponent.
From Boxing Ring to MMA Cage: Serrano’s Dual‑Sport Journey
Born in New York City in 1988, Serrano grew up in a family of fighters. She turned professional in boxing at 15 and quickly amassed titles across multiple weight classes, becoming the first woman to hold world championships in four divisions simultaneously. In 2022 she added a fifth belt, cementing her status as one of the sport’s all‑time greats.
Parallel to her boxing career, Serrano trained in Brazilian jiu‑jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. Those skills translated into a short but impressive MMA résumé: three professional bouts, two wins by submission (a guillotine choke and a rear‑naked choke) and one draw. None of those victories came by knockout, underscoring her grappling prowess rather than striking power.
Despite her success in both arenas, Serrano has focused primarily on boxing in recent years. She recently announced a return to the squared circle against Cheyenne Hanson on a televised ESPN card in El Paso. Yet the conversation about a possible MMA comeback resurfaced when she was asked about the upcoming MVP MMA event on Netflix.
Why a Fight With Gina Carano Makes Sense
Gina Carano, a former Strikeforce champion and one of the most recognizable faces in women’s MMA, made a high‑profile return to the cage earlier this month when she faced Ronda Rousey. Although Carano lost by decision, the bout generated massive buzz and left many promoters scrambling for her next opponent.
During the interview, Serrano laughed and said, “Listen, just hear the sound of it—‘Serrano vs. Carano.’ It would be an honor to go in there with such a great fighter. She’s a striker, she comes from a kickboxing background, so you never know.” The excitement was mutual; MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian confirmed the promotion is actively seeking a matchup between the two athletes.
From a stylistic standpoint, the fight would be intriguing. Serrano’s grappling acumen could neutralize Carano’s striking, while Carano’s experience in high‑pressure stand‑up exchanges would test Serrano’s boxing‑derived footwork and timing. Both athletes have proven they can adapt; Carano transitioned from kickboxing to MMA, and Serrano has already shown she can submit opponents despite a striking‑heavy boxing background.
What a Serrano‑Carano Bout Could Look Like
If the fight materializes, several factors will shape the matchup:
- Weight class: Both fighters have competed around the 145‑pound (66 kg) mark, making a catch‑weight or feather‑weight bout feasible.
- Rule set: MVP’s events follow the Unified Rules of MMA, allowing strikes, kicks, elbows, and ground work.
- Preparation time: Serrano is slated to fight boxer Cheyenne Hanson on Saturday, so any MMA bout would need to be scheduled several months out to give her adequate camp time.
- Stakes: While neither fighter is currently chasing a title, the bout would be a marquee attraction, likely headlining a pay‑per‑view or a major streaming event.
Both athletes have expressed respect for each other’s careers, which could translate into a professional yet fiercely competitive showdown. Fans would get to see Serrano’s grappling against Carano’s striking, a classic striker‑vs‑grappler narrative that has produced some of MMA’s most memorable fights.
What’s Next for Amanda Serrano in Boxing
Before any MMA plans can move forward, Serrano must focus on her upcoming boxing match against 28‑year‑old challenger Cheyenne Hanson. Hanson, with a 17‑2 record, is looking to make a name for herself by taking on the seasoned champion. Serrano, however, is confident she will retain her titles.
“I’m not going to let anyone take this away from me,” Serrano said in a pre‑fight press conference. “I’ve worked my whole life for this moment, and I’m going to give everything I have.” The fight will be broadcast live on ESPN, giving fans worldwide a chance to watch the champion in action before any potential crossover to the cage.
Should Serrano emerge victorious, she will likely have more flexibility to negotiate an MMA bout. Her dual‑sport background gives promoters a unique marketing angle: a world‑class boxer stepping into the cage to test her skills against a former UFC star.
FAQ
Q: Has Amanda Serrano ever fought in a professional MMA bout?
A: Yes. She holds a 2‑0‑1 record, with both wins coming by submission.
Q: When is Serrano’s next boxing fight?
A: She is scheduled to fight Cheyenne Hanson on Saturday night in El Paso, with the bout airing on ESPN.
Q: Why would a Serrano‑Carano fight be appealing to fans?
A: It would pit a world‑champion boxer with proven grappling skills against a former MMA star known for her striking, creating a classic striker‑vs‑grappler matchup.
Q: Who controls the promotion that might host the fight?
A: Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co‑founded by Nakisa Bidarian, has expressed interest in booking the bout.
Q: Could the fight happen soon?
A: Unlikely in the immediate term, as Serrano has a boxing commitment this weekend. A realistic timeline would be several months out, allowing both athletes to train for the specific demands of MMA.
In summary, Amanda Serrano’s openness to an MMA return adds another exciting chapter to an already remarkable career. While her immediate focus remains on defending her boxing titles, the prospect of a cage showdown with Gina Carano is generating buzz across both sports. Whether the fight materializes or not, the conversation highlights the growing crossover appeal of athletes who excel in multiple combat disciplines.
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