Cat Zingano

Cat Zingano, born on July 1, 1982, in Winona, Minnesota, embarked on her combat sports journey at age 12, beginning with wrestling. She attended Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, where she joined the wrestling team. Her dedication led her to become a 4-time All-American and National Champion as part of both the University of the Cumberlands (2001) and MacMurray College women’s wrestling teams. In 2007, Zingano expanded her skill set by discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), quickly excelling and winning numerous tournaments, including the World Championships (Mundials) in Los Angeles and the Rio de Janeiro State Championships in Brazil, alongside several state titles in Colorado. Her first amateur MMA fight in October 2007 solidified her path, leading to her professional debut in June 2008 at Ring of Fire 32, where she submitted Karina Taylor with an armbar in the first round.

Zingano’s professional career saw her compete in various promotions before reaching widespread recognition. She secured victories through submissions and knockouts, demonstrating a versatile fighting style. A significant turning point came in February 2013 when she was announced for the second women’s match in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history. Her TKO victory over Miesha Tate on April 13, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale not only earned her the “Fight of the Night” award but also made her the first woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout. This win positioned her as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 18 and a challenger for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Though a knee injury sidelined her temporarily, she returned to the Octagon powerfully, notably defeating Amanda Nunes via TKO at UFC 178 in September 2014. Despite facing a challenging loss to Ronda Rousey for the bantamweight title at UFC 184, Zingano continued to compete at the highest levels of the sport, eventually moving to Bellator MMA in October 2019, where she remains an active and respected competitor.

Throughout her career, Zingano has consistently demonstrated fortitude both inside and outside the cage. After the loss of her husband in 2014, she continued to balance her demanding career with being a mother, becoming the first mother to compete in the UFC. Her personal experiences have also inspired her outreach efforts, including establishing a scholarship fund to support students coping with grief. Zingano’s career accomplishments include holding the ROF Women’s Flyweight and Bantamweight Championships, the FTW Women’s 125 lbs and 130 lbs Championships, and earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her journey reflects perseverance, athleticism, and a commitment to her community.