‘Haywire’ Breakout Star Gina Carano: Red Carpet Events Are ‘More Difficult’ Than MMA Fighting

MMA fighter Gina Carano is moving from the octagon to the big screen and the transition is thrilling, yet challenging.

The 29-year-old was plucked from the ring by renowned director Steven Soderbergh to play the lead role in his upcoming action thriller, “Haywire,” and Gina is overwhelmed by her newfound turn in the spotlight.

“It’s a complete honor,” Gina told Access Hollywood of her breakout role at the “Haywire” premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday. “It’s a beautiful cast and beautiful people are a part of it… This is the best moment of my life.”

Though the Las Vegas native is accustomed to throwing punches for a crowd, she said getting glammed up for photos and red carpet interviews was for more nerve-wracking.

“I can’t lie — I’m so nervous,” she told Access. “This is my first event… Stunts are good with me. I love stunts — I can be physical all day.

“It’s this moment that’s going to be a little bit more difficult,” she added.

While the limelight may cause her to have butterflies, Gina, a former “American Gladiator,” is happy to impress one very supportive fan in particular – her father.

“He’s so proud — he’s probably in tears right now,” she said. “My fighting’s a little bit hard for his heart, so I think this is going to be a little bit hard for him.”

Watch Gina in action when “Haywire” – also featuring Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender and Bill Paxton – hits theaters on January 20.