Although she hasn't fought since last September Carano is still the face of Women's Mixed Martial Arts. Apparently that is no secret to EliteXC as they wrapped up negotiations on a contract that will lock Carano up for a few years. No information has been mad available yet on the terms of the deal.  Carano, who is unbeaten in her MMA career (5-0, 2-0 EXC) submitted Tonya Evinger with an opening-round rear naked choke in her last bout. Carano is currently fighting out of Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts in Las Vegas, and has starred as "Crush" in a new version of American Gladiators on NBC. She will take on Hook-N-Shoot veteran Kaitlin Young on May 31.

"Gina became an instant star after her first fight for EliteXC," Gary Shaw, EliteXC Live Events president said. "She truly is the face of women's MMA, an inspiration to many up-and-coming athletes and is a perfect illustration as to why women do indeed have a place in this sport."