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Gina Carano shocked the MMA world at her historic Mike Ross fight press conference, revealing she secretly married beloved Muay Thai fighter Kevin Ross back in August 2022. Just hours before her epic Netflix comeback bout against Ronda Rousey, the actress made headlines with unexpected personal news that left everyone stunned.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Marriage Date: August 2022 courthouse wedding, announced publicly May 16, 2026
- Kevin Ross: Former Bellator kickboxing featherweight champion nicknamed ‘The Soul Assassin’
- Their History: Started dating May 29, 2001, split after 4 years, reunited in 2015
- Current Life: Living on a Montana farm, keeping marriage private for years before revealing
A Love Story That Inspired Her MMA Career
Kevin Ross completely changed Gina Carano‘s life trajectory. When Ross began training in Muay Thai in 2003, his passion inspired Carano to pursue her own path in mixed martial arts. She later recalled how his dedication transformed everything. Ross earned his nickname ‘The Soul Assassin’ after his first professional fight in Mexico, when another fighter suggested it fit his fighting style perfectly.
Born July 27, 1980, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Ross grew up moving frequently across the country. He eventually settled in Las Vegas after moving in with his father in Georgia. His commitment to combat sports became legendary, and his influence on Carano shaped her entire fighting career.
Gina Carano reveals she’s married to Muay Thai fighter Kevin Ross ahead of Rousey fight
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A Secret Wedding They Kept Private for Years
Carano and Ross reunited romantically around 2015 after their initial split. They decided to get married at a courthouse in August 2022 without fanfare. What made this marriage remarkable was how long they kept it completely hidden from the public. According to Ross, ‘We didn’t even tell our family about it for a few months. We wanted to do something for ourselves and not tell anybody.’
The couple valued their privacy above all else. Ross explained, ‘It was nice keeping it a secret, something only we knew. Nobody knew we were married for like a year or so.’ They had originally planned a big wedding in 2025 but postponed it as Carano’s comeback fight with Rousey drew near. Now the timing felt right to share their joy with the world.
The Comeback Announcement That Surprised Everyone
| Detail | Information |
| Marriage Date | August 2022 |
| Public Announcement | May 16, 2026 Press Conference |
| Location of Wedding | Courthouse (Private) |
| Current Residence | Montana Farm |
At her Los Angeles press conference hours before the Netflix MVP MMA event, Carano addressed reporters with genuine emotion. ‘I got married to my first and last love, Kevin Ross,’ she stated proudly. ‘And it was the best thing I’ve ever done. So now you all know. I’m married.’ The revelation marked a major shift for an actress who has spent years dealing with public scrutiny.
“I got married to my first and last love, Kevin Ross. And it was the best thing I’ve ever done. So now you all know. I’m married.”
— Gina Carano, at MVP MMA Press Conference
Who Is ‘The Soul Assassin’ Kevin Ross?
Kevin Ross built an incredible fighting career spanning decades. He became the inaugural Bellator kickboxing featherweight world champion and earned multiple title belts throughout his professional journey. His accomplishments included becoming Muay Thai North American Fighter of the Year in December 2010. Ross competed globally in prestigious organizations before retiring from professional fighting in June 2021.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Ross stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and maintains deep roots in the Las Vegas fighting community. His influence extends far beyond competition. He inspired not only Carano but countless others to pursue their combat sports dreams. Now retired, he focuses on mentoring and supporting his wife’s historic comeback in the sport that brought them together.
What Happens Next for the Newlyweds?
With Carano returning to MMA and their marriage now public knowledge, questions swirl about what’s ahead. The couple abandoned their big wedding plans to focus on her fighting preparation. Ross told reporters the pair are ‘not in a rush’ to hold a big celebration, saying ‘Whenever it feels right and the time’s right.’ Their bond clearly transcends public recognition or traditional celebrations.
Her last professional MMA fight was in 2009 against Cris Cyborg, making this comeback truly historic. Having Kevin Ross by her side on this journey represents full circle for their two-decade relationship. From inspiring her early career to supporting her dramatic return, he remains her greatest cheerleader and ‘first and last love.’
