“I wanted to take time to collect my thoughts and speak from the heart rather than spew out some cliché anecdote about a tough loss. I know I am a better fighter than the way I performed that night and was heartbroken to not give more to those who have been inspired. However, I find some relief in knowing that this has never been only about me, and now more than ever I feel freedom to learn and grow at my own pace. I make it a point to constantly remind myself throughout this journey who I am, what I am doing, and why. Life is the most amazing gift and I want to live it for the right reasons. To my family, coaches, management… thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me, loving and encouraging me. Also a special thanks to the fans who support me from their computers at home, watch me on television and scream for me in the stadiums. Because of you, barriers have been broken down and you have inspired me to believe in a larger dream. Congratulations to Cris Cyborg and the women of MMA who have a great platform to shine. I am more excited than ever for female fighters and this amazing sport which has transformed my life. God Bless.”

Popular female fighting sensation and arguably the face of woman's MMA, Gina Carano, finally breaks her silence and makes her first public sentiments following her first career loss against Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos via first-round TKO in the main event of Strikeforce's August 15 event, which was for the first-ever female 145-pound title.

Prior to the loss, Carano had won the first 7 bouts of her career, which included a 4-0 stint under the now-defunct EliteXC promotion. She has finished 4 of her seven career wins and she holds notable wins over the likes of Rosi Sexton, Kelly Kobold, Kaitlin Young and Tonya Evinger.

No date has been set for Carano's return and no word has been revealed from Strikeforce officials if the Xtreme Couture product will receive a immediate rematch with "Cyborg" or climb up back up the ranks with a couple of bouts prior to a rematch.