Mixed martial arts takes a big broadcasting step this weekend, as CBS will be showing the first of many EliteXC “Saturday Night Fights” specials. And one of the most coveted competitors among the male 18-35 demographic is American Gladiator Gina Carano.

However, viewers could have been gypped out of a Gina appearance. MMA MANIA kicks up the news that Carano is coming into her bout with a little extra baggage.

During the weigh-ins, Gina’s first try tipped the scales at 144.5 pounds - about 3.5 pounds over the limit. Normally, Carano would have been given an hour to lose the excess weight before a second weigh-in attempt. However, the New Jersey commission regulating the fight wouldn’t allow her to do it.

It would have seemed that CBS was now out one sure ratings-grabber. Fortunately, Carano and her opponent, Kaitlin Young, came to a little pre-match agreement:

Therefore, prior to the official weigh-ins, a deal was struck between the Carano and Young camps that the fight would go on and “Conviction” would surrender a 12.5 percent purse penalty.

So, instead of losing weight, Gina will be losing money. Still, it’s a small price to pay for some more network TV exposure.