by Chad Dundas, MMARated.com

At least one of EliteXC’s meal tickets proved her worth on Saturday night, as Gina Carano defeated Kelly Kobold via unanimous decision in a compelling women’s fight at the company’s third live show on CBS.

While Kimbo Slice got exposed by Seth Petruzelli in the main event, Carano took another step toward legitimacy in dominating Kobold over three rounds. In doing so, she looked capable enough to suggest she actually has the substance to back up the considerable hype around her.

She also stayed on track for a potential future meeting with female MMA’s other juggernaut, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos.

Thus far in her career, two issues have kept Carano from being viewed as the true No. 1 women’s fighter in the world: Her inability to make weight and a perceived lack of quality opponents. She confronted both of those criticisms this week, in her own way.

Though she had to publically strip down to do it, Carano made the 141-pound limit for the fight with Kobold. She admitted the weight continues to be a problem, but at least finally demonstrated a willingness to adhere to the rules.  And when – despite coming in off back-to-back losses – Kobold proved to be a formidable foe, Carano was up to the challenge in the cage as well.

We all knew Carano would be the more effective and technical striker, but she truly impressed in her ability to stave off Kobold’s continued takedown attempts and with the tenacity of her counters the few times Kobold mounted some offense.

The shorter fighter locked onto Carano’s legs and pushed her against the fence from the opening bell, but didn’t succeed in putting her on the mat until near the end of the second round. When the fight did go to the ground, Carano deftly went to the rubber guard and immediately tried to transition to an omoplata. That developing ground game confirmed that Carano is indeed well on her way to becoming a true mixed martial artist, after considerable success in Muay Thai early in her career.

The solid takedown defense kept the fight in Carano’s world and when Kobold showed flashes of her own stand-up skills – landing a right hook, knee combo with 1:35 left in the first – Carano responded with crisp combinations that won the day. By the third round, a flustered and tired Kobold was winging wide, ineffective shots and made it an easy call for the judges.

Now the big question looms as to whether EliteXC is willing to put its golden girl in the cage with “Cyborg,” who was equally impressive in dismantling Yoko Takahashi by decision on the untelevised undercard. CBS was really pushing a Carano-Santos fight during the broadcast, continually mentioning it and showing “Cyborg” enjoying a cocktail at ringside just prior to Carano’s bout.

Putting the two best women’s fighters in the cage together would certainly be the best thing for the division, but the company has a track record of playing favorites with its top draws. For sure, Santos is a threat to Carano’s reign. After Slice’s fall from grace against Petruzelli, EliteXC might feel the urge to be even more protective than before.

That’d be a shame. Carano stepped up, now it’s time for EliteXC to do the same.