Issue 108

December 2013

Things we hear, things we see, things we know.

Gina Carano cast to play comic heroine Avengelyne

Half-retired female fighting favorite Gina Carano has been chosen to play comic book character Avengelyne in a live action film of the series. In print, Avengelyne is an angel who fights demons on Earth. The 31-year-old Carano last fought in 2009, a TKO loss to ‘Cyborg’ Santos, but recently maintained she hasn’t completely closed the door on MMA competition.

TUF 9 winner Wilks becomes documentary filmmaker

California-based British UFC veteran James Wilks recently visited his childhood karate dojo in England as part of filming for an upcoming documentary on nutrition among athletes. Experienced documentary producer John Corry is involved with Wilks’ project. The TUF 9 welterweight winner retired from MMA last year due to injuries – he finished with a 7-4 record.

Lack of local stars stalling UFC's Latin American expansion

There are rumors the UFC’s growth in Latin America is being slowed by a lack of true prospects in South American countries outside of Brazil and Mexico. Fighters Only has learned from industry sources that as a result the UFC is encouraging local promotions in South America to develop their regional stars. A UFC event visit in any country is generally most successful when featuring marquee local talent, and usually encourages a growth spurt in the sport in the area, which would also mean better business for the lower-level organizations concerned.

MMA a winner for romance novel fans

It appears the world of mixed martial arts is becoming a popular setting for romance novels – yet another effect of the sport’s increasing popularity. Whereas as recently as 2010 there were virtually none, several digital and print books released this year have featured an MMA fighter as the lead male love interest with the fight game as a backdrop. The books, with titles such as Against the Ropes and The Ballerina and the Fighter, have found success amongst fans of the genre.