Chael Sonnen picks Gina Carano’s next opponent: ‘That’s the only possible direction’

Analyst and former MMA fighter Chael Sonnen has offered his prescription for Gina Carano's next steps following her emphatic return-to-combat loss last weekend: a matchup against Holly Holm.

Carano competed in the main event of MVP MMA 1 after stepping away from MMA for seventeen years. The bout lasted merely seventeen seconds before she suffered a loss to Ronda Rousey in spectacular fashion. Initial reactions to the outcome were mixed, with some observers questioning Carano's commitment given her apparent lack of visible distress immediately following the defeat.

However, her coach John Wood subsequently clarified the situation, revealing that Carano had been deeply affected by the loss and was seriously considering additional competition. This revelation appeared to shift narrative perspective on the fight and Carano's mindset, providing needed context that had been absent from initial coverage.

Sonnen incorporated Wood's statement into his analysis on his podcast, arguing that the coach's public remarks served an important purpose by demonstrating Carano's genuine emotional investment in the sport. According to Sonnen, the key question now involves whether Carano can secure another opportunity to compete. He views a potential matchup against Holm as the logical direction for Carano's career, suggesting it represents "the only possible direction" for her next bout. A fight against Holm, another veteran women's fighter with significant name recognition, would provide Carano a recognizable opponent and meaningful opportunity to rebuild following her quick return-fight loss.