NBC Sports (kind of) confirms the rumor thats been swirling since earlier this week:
Popular EliteXC female fighter Gina Carano will likely take on Kelly Kobold-Gavin when she returns to the cage on CBSs Oct. 4 production, a source close to one of the fighters told NBCSports.com.
The fight has not yet been officially signed but is expected to be announced soon, according to the source.
Cant say this comes as a huge surprise. Even if Carano vs. Cris "Cyborg" Santos (5-0) is the match-up everyone wants to see following the Brazilians vicious thumping of Shayna Baszler last weekend, the tough veteran Kobold-Gavin comes carrying a substantial 16-2-1 record and -- more importantly for EliteXCs purposes -- hasnt fought since August 2007. Kobold-Gavins last two bouts (both for BodogFight, R.I.P.) were the only two losses of her career thus far, having been submitted and decisioned by Tara LaRosa and Julie Kedzie, respectively, in a span of just over one month. Carano defeated Kedzie six months prior at EliteXCs inaugural event.
Two things for certain: Kelly had better be working her wrestling hard up there in Minnesota between now and October 4th, and Gina should probably just start cutting weight now.
After the jump, video of Carano (aka "Crush") absolutely mauling a 52-year old woman on American Gladiators last month.