Cat Zingano

A highly decorated combat sports athlete, Cat Zingano earned the prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships (Mundials) in Los Angeles in 2007, along with the Rio de Janeiro State Championships and multiple Colorado state titles. Her foundational skills were honed through collegiate wrestling, where she became a four-time All-American and National Champion as part of both the University of the Cumberlands (2001) and MacMurray College women’s wrestling teams. Zingano made her professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut in June 2008 at Ring of Fire 32, securing a first-round armbar submission victory over Karina Taylor. This early success led to her capturing both the Ring Of Fire Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2008 and the Flyweight Championship in 2010.

She continued her dominance by winning the Fight To Win Women’s 130 lbs Championship in 2010 and the 125 lbs Championship in 2011. Zingano achieved widespread recognition in February 2013 when she was announced for only the second women’s match in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history. Her impactful TKO victory over Miesha Tate on April 13, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale not only earned her the coveted ‘Fight of the Night’ award but also marked her as the first woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout. This pivotal win positioned her as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 18 and a top contender for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.

Throughout her professional journey, Cat Zingano has consistently showcased unparalleled fortitude, a versatile fighting style marked by both submissions and knockouts, and a profound commitment to personal growth and community support. She continues to inspire through her performances and her advocacy, reinforcing her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s mixed martial arts.