MMA (mixed martial arts) star, Gina Carano, is on her way to becoming a household name after last night’s airing of the all new American Gladiators.

Carano stars as ‘Crush’ on the 2008 version of American Gladiators, hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali.

Don’t let the winsome smile fool you… Crush earned her well-deserved moniker by smashing opponents into submission. Despite her girl-next-door looks, she’s a powerful, fierce opponent who has no problem handling the women competitors, and then going back to breaking men’s hearts.

25-year-old Carano is the daughter of Glenn Carano, who played backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1977-1983. She was invited to participate in the first ever female sanctioned MMA bout in Nevada after racking up an impressive 12-1-1 Muay Thai (a type of boxing combining kicks and punches) record.

Over the last few months Carano has gone from being a relative unknown to becoming one of the fastest rising stars in the MMA. Her stint on the new American Gladiator may just catapult her into the mainstream spotlight.

We have some fabulous photos of the sexy gladiator below.

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