 She was featured in "ESPN The Magazine" as well as "Maxim".Her popularity led to her being called the "face of women's MMA" (although Carano herself rejected the title) and was ranked 5th on a list of the "Top 10 Influential Women" of 2008.In August 2009, Carano fought Cris Cyborg in , the first time two women headlined a major MMA event; Cyborg won.