As EliteXC poster-girl Gina Carano (6-0) continues the final preparations for her Oct. 4 bout with Kelly Kobald (16-2-1), the mounting buzz around the Xtreme Couture fighter has reached a fever pitch.

Heralded as the “face of women’s MMA,” and the party most responsible for the future of the women’s division, Carano recently told the gathered media at an open workout in Los Angeles that she was simply Gina Carano.

“I am a recognized female in the sport, but I don’t think that I am the face of women’s MMA,” Carano said. “It’s just a label. I’m Gina Carano. You can label me that.”

Carano said that she has been amazed at the attention she’s been given.

“It’s been unbelievable to be at the forefront of women’s MMA,” Carano admitted. “Raising the recognition of the sport has been a blessing. The fan support has been amazing. I’m standing up here because of the fans.”

But despite the newfound success, Carano’s ambition is her career as a fighter.

“I’m a fighter,” Carano said. “My job is to fight.”

That focus will be imperative for Carano’s “EliteXC: Heat” showdown with Kobald. After debuting in 2002, Kobald went undefeated through her first 17 bouts. Carano acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead.

“I’ve got one of the toughest fights of my life coming up,” Carano said. “I’m coming ready to fight. I’m going to give it my all.

“Kelly is well-rounded and she is coming to fight. I’m glad I’m going to be tested.”

Carano said she has been able to push aside many of the distractions that have affected her preparation in the past.

“This training camp has been going very well,” Carano said. “I have a lot of knowledge of what I’ve been doing right and what I’ve been doing wrong.

“My game plan is to fight a good fight. I’ve been studying her style, how she reacts under pressure and when she gets hit. But nothing compares to when you get in there and the fight starts.”

And that feeling is what Carano will continue to chase despite any expectations placed on her to assume another role.

“America is a strange place to be when you are a star,” Carano explained. “I wish our culture would respect people as human beings and not as objects. When you’re in the spotlight they love you, but that is very short lived.”

Carano’s good looks and magnetic personality have catapulted her to the forefront of women’s MMA. But for Carano, her undefeated professional record is what truly matters.

“Everyone has their own niche in life,” Carano said. “I just seem to gravitate towards physical violence.”

John Morgan is the Lead Staff Reporter for MMAjunkie.com