UFC releases Cat Zingano
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“Alpha” Cat is no longer part of the UFC’s roster.
The UFC has parted ways with a pioneer of women’s mixed martial arts.
After seven fights in the Octagon, former title challenger Cat Zingano has been released by the promotion, MMA Junkie reported Wednesday.
It is not clear how many bouts remained on Zingano’s contract before her release.
Zingano, who went 3-4 in the UFC, last fought in December at UFC 232, where she lost to Megan Anderson in controversial fashion. In the first round of the featherweight bout, Anderson’s toe entered Zingano’s eye as Anderson attempted a kick. Zingano covered up, hurt, thus the TKO victory for Anderson. Zingano tried to appeal the result, arguing that an eye poke from a toe should hold the same merit as an eye poke from a finger, but was unsuccessful.
Zingano challenged Ronda Rousey for the women’s bantamweight title in 2014, but lost in a record 14 seconds by armbar. It was the first loss of Zingano’s UFC career, but would mark the beginning of a rough patch for the 37-year-old.
Two of Zingano’s three UFC wins come against current two-division champion Amanda Nunes and former titleholder Miesha Tate, both by stoppage.
Zingano signed with the UFC in 2013 after a 7-0 start on the regional circuit, including one fight for Invicta FC.
Zingano, who was removed from the UFC’s rankings earlier this week, has yet to comment publicly on her release.