Gina Carano action figure set for stores this summer

If you ever wondered what Barbie would look like if she could beat Ken (or GI Joe) up, she’d probably look a lot like a Gina Carano action figure.

Former American Gladiator Crush and top women’s fighter, Gina “Conviction” Carano is not just another pretty face.  She’s well trained in Muay Thai kickboxing and possesses an unbeaten MMA record.

Known to many as the face of female mixed martial arts, Carano has  truly transcended the sport of MMA. Now, the unbeaten star has announced she will be working with Round 5, the leader in collectible MMA figurines, to produce an action figure that reflects her stardom.

Carano (7-0) has emerged as MMA’s most popular female fighter following her stint with the now-defunct EliteXC organization. She became the first female fighter to compete on U.S. network televised when she appeared on CBS in 2008. She was also the first female fighter to appear on Showtime, and she competed in Nevada’s first-ever state-sanctioned female combat-sports bout in 2006.

A pioneer in women’s MMA, Carano has earned additional attention by serving as a mentor/coach on the Oxygen network series “Fight Girls.”

Although now a free agent, Carano is expected to sign with Strikeforce in time for an August bout with Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos. The two were on a collision course in EliteXC before the company’s collapse. The bout will likely be the biggest in female MMA history.

“Gina Carano has emerged as a star, not just in MMA but in the mainstream,” said Damon Lau, Round 5 President. “As the first female in the Round 5 line, we expect her figurine to be popular among the sport’s enthusiasts as well as those who have seen her on TV or in magazines.”

“I’m incredibly blessed to be a part of so many wonderful opportunities and to now be included in Round 5’s line up of gifted fighters is another exciting privilege,” said Carano. “When I was a little girl my dad always joked about making a ‘Gina doll’ and I smile when I think it has become a reality. It is both humbling and invigorating to consider this is just the beginning with so many other gifted women whose figurines are yet to be made.”

The six inch Carano figurine is tentatively scheduled to be released as part of Series 4, which is planned for a summer 2009 release. Carano will maintain creative control of her likeness and will have a major hand in creating the final design. She’ll also benefit from a royalty agreement that gives her a portion of the proceeds.

For more on the company behind the figurines, check out MMAjunkie.com’s Round 5 company profile.