Tag: Cat Zingano

Zingano Awards “Overcoming Loss” Scholarship To A Student in Alabama

Former UFC veteran Cat Zingano awarded Destiny Wallace from Birmingham, AL the $10,000 she won for her participation in the “Overcoming Loss” scholarship. Zingano created the scholarship in 2021 on Bold.org. It is meant to support students suffering from loss. The Bellator fighter knows firsthand what it is like to still keep moving after losing…

Continue Reading Zingano Awards “Overcoming Loss” Scholarship To A Student in Alabama at MMA News.

Former UFC veteran Cat Zingano awarded Destiny Wallace from Birmingham, AL the $10,000 she won for her participation in the “Overcoming Loss” scholarship.

Zingano created the scholarship in 2021 on Bold.org. It is meant to support students suffering from loss. The Bellator fighter knows firsthand what it is like to still keep moving after losing someone important.

Tragically, her mother died of brain cancer in 2005. It was a devastating time, but Zingano continued to push through.

While dealing with her mother’s death, she still went to her college classes, kept up with her job, and prepared for the birth of her son.

Unfortunately, more tragedy seeped into Zingano’s life. In 2014, her husband became a victim of suicide. He was a major part of her MMA career, as he coached and supported her.

Cat Zingano with husband and son
Cat Zingano with husband and son, Photo Credit: Cat Zingano

And again, Zingano kept pushing. At 39 years old, she continues to fight as a mixed martial artist, proving to her son that it is possible to conquer some of life’s most difficult challenges.

The “Overcoming Loss” scholarship is Zingano’s opportunity to help those who are grieving but still want to pursue their ambitions. A life struck by tragedy can persevere and Zingano wants to support that.

Out of the thousands of applications submitted, there was only one winner. Destiny Wallace submitted a heartfelt essay explaining the grief she and her brother experienced after their mother’s tragic passing.

“I’m extremely humbled and honored to have met Destiny and to be able to help support her on her journey. She is a bright and driven young woman who is pursuing a future in helping people, taking direction from all the tough times she’s been through. Her strength is remarkable and I believe she will do great things.”(h/t FightMag)

Wallace is a student at Auburn University at Montgomery. She hopes that her story can be heard by others with similar experiences.

What are your thoughts on Cat Zingano’s “Overcoming Loss” scholarship?

Continue Reading Zingano Awards “Overcoming Loss” Scholarship To A Student in Alabama at MMA News.

(Archives) Rousey: I Could Beat 100% Of UFC’s Male BW Fighters (2015)

“Rowdy” Ronda talks about what she feels her chances would be fighting men.

Continue Reading (Archives) Rousey: I Could Beat 100% Of UFC’s Male BW Fighters (2015) at MMA News.

At one point, Ronda Rousey was viewed by many to be indestructible and borderline unbeatable. No one believed this more than Rousey, who thought that she would have been literally unbeatable against the men’s UFC bantamweight roster.

The following article was published on this day seven years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

On This Day Seven Years Ago…

[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 5, 2015, 3:59 PM]

Following her 14-second destruction of the previously undefeated Cat Zingano at UFC 184 this past Saturday night, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey turned some heads with comments she made during an appearance on the ESPN program “SportsCenter.”

Rousey, who appeared on the sports talk show on Thursday, stated that she “could beat 100 percent” of the UFC Men’s Bantamweight fighters.

“I never say that I’m incapable of beating anybody, because I don’t believe in putting limits on myself,” said Rousey. “So I mean, I would have to say if you’re just talking about what’s in the realm of possibility of what’s possible of who I could beat, well I could beat 100 percent of them. You can’t tell me that there’s a zero percent chance that I can beat anyone on the planet, so I’m never gonna say that.”

Rousey continued, “It’s not that they’re lacking anything so much. They decided later in life that they wanted to be a fighter. A lot of these girls already developed a personality and had a life and one day they decided, ‘I’m gonna give it a try.’ Whereas, this is literally what I was raised to do.”

Looking back on her dominant performance over Zingano this past weekend at UFC 184, which may have been ordered by more than 500,000 homes on pay-per-view, Rousey said she felt it was nearly a flawless performance.

“I looked through it and there literally isn’t a single wasted movement the entire fight,” said Rousey. “I wish I could have reacted a little sooner maybe with her charging at me. I can’t say a single bad thing about it, except for my reaction time in the beginning. If you watch it frame by frame, literally I did a backwards cartwheel off my face. I didn’t plan that at all. But if that’s your reaction at the moment, I guess you planned something right.”

Continue Reading (Archives) Rousey: I Could Beat 100% Of UFC’s Male BW Fighters (2015) at MMA News.

Archives: Arianny Celeste Calls Rousey A Bully, Rousey Responds (2015)

A war of words breaks out between the UFC Octagon girl and the UFC champ.

Continue Reading Archives: Arianny Celeste Calls Rousey A Bully, Rousey Responds (2015) at MMA News.

The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

On This Day Seven Years Ago…

[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 26, 2015, 12:54 PM]

UFC Octagon girl Arianny Celeste is not taking kindly to Ronda Rousey’s recent statement that fighters should make more than UFC’s Octagon girls.

The longtime UFC employee told the folks at MMA Junkie Radio earlier this week that Rousey is a “big bully” who “continuously picks on me..” Rousey, however, has a different take.

“What did I say that was a bully?” Rousey said at a recent media scrum, which you can watch above via MMAFighting.com. “That the fighters should get paid more than the ring girls? How does that make me a bully? That makes me f*cking right. I’m sorry, but she wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for the fighters. She wouldn’t. You think her walking in circles around the two guys or two girls out there fighting for their lives is worth more? Think she works harder than they do?”

In 2012, Rousey took some shots at Celeste when the two were both ranked in Maxim’s Hot 100 list. Rousey, who was not in the UFC at the time, stated the following:

“It would have been really funny if I’d beaten Arianny Celeste, because that would be like a triathlete coming along and beating the runners in a marathon,” Rousey said at the time. “Like, ‘Haha, it’s your job to show your t*ts – I do that better than you!’ Maybe next year. She’s only getting older, and I’m reaching my prime.”

During her radio appearance earlier this week, Celeste elaborated on her position, explaining why she tries to separate herself from the “MMA world.”

“I’m not going to talk about her because I’m not a fighter,” Celeste said. “I’m not going to waste my time. I actually don’t talk about anyone. It blows my mind that someone who doesn’t even know me continuously picks on me. And that’s all I see her as: a big bully.”

Rousey feels Celeste is taking things personally, and offered a bit of advice for the UFC employee.

“You know what would have been the best thing for her to say?” Rousey said. “‘Oh my God, you know, these fighters work so hard and I wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for them. I just admire them so much. And yeah, I definitely think that they should get paid more than anybody in the arena tonight.’ There ya go. That’s a PR lesson for her.”

While Rousey may not be Celeste’s biggest fan, she did explain that she has no issue with Octagon girls in general, pointing out the fact that she has respect for UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer.

“She went and became a ring card girl to pay her way through art school and become a renowned artist,” Rousey said. “And her being ring card girl helps her promote her art. If you’re working at Hooters because you’re trying to pay your way through medical school, then f*ckin’ work it girl. I respect the hustle. But don’t think you’re hot sh*t just because you work at Hooters. Use it to further yourself in life; don’t think that you’re awesome just because you do that. I’m sorry, but I’m not impressed with the job in itself.”

Rousey makes her Octagon return at UFC 184 this Saturday night in Los Angeles, California, as she defends the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship against undefeated number one contender Cat Zingano.

Continue Reading Archives: Arianny Celeste Calls Rousey A Bully, Rousey Responds (2015) at MMA News.

Coker Explains Why Zingano Isn’t Next For Cyborg As Originally Planned

Scott Coker has explained why Cat Zinagno is not fighting Cris Cyborg next. Things are getting a little gray in the Bellator featherweight division. In recent months, title contender Cat Zingano was gunning for a title shot against champion Cris Cyborg. Then, it was announced that Zingano will actually not be facing Cyborg next but…

Continue Reading Coker Explains Why Zingano Isn’t Next For Cyborg As Originally Planned at MMA News.

Scott Coker has explained why Cat Zinagno is not fighting Cris Cyborg next.

Things are getting a little gray in the Bellator featherweight division. In recent months, title contender Cat Zingano was gunning for a title shot against champion Cris Cyborg. Then, it was announced that Zingano will actually not be facing Cyborg next but will instead be facing Pam Sorenson.

The reason behind the switch-up was not given at first and many theories began to pour in. Now, Bellator President Scott Coker is ready to shed some light on the situation.

“So basically Cat wanted to have one more fight before she fought Cris,” Coker told MMA Fighting. “I don’t even think she was the one that really made that call; it was her manager.”

Zingano was the one calling for the fight with Cyborg. Following her last win over Olivia Parker, Zingano proposed the title fight. She had a time and location picked out for the fight. She even offered to meet Cyborg in LA to fight at an upcoming event, but that never happened. Zingano also accused her of dodging drug tests in order to delay the fight. Cyborg and her team claim that did not happen.

Cyborg accepted Zingano’s challenge and seemed ready to fight—that is until the announcement of Zingano vs. Sorenson. After that news came out, Cyborg tweeted and deleted a message accusing Zinagno of running.

“So the manager said ‘we want one more fight.’ So we said ‘OK’ and we put together the fight for her. From there if she wins, she can fight Cris,” Coker explained.

Zingano has won two fights in the Bellator featherweight division since joining the organization following the end of her UFC run. If she wins this third fight Coker claims that she will get Cyborg next, however, if she loses it could be Sorenson who leapfrogs into the title shot.

At this time, Cyborg does not have another option in the works. She could just wait for the winner of this bout featuring Zingano and Sorenson.

Do you think Cat Zingano really wanted to face Cris Cyborg next?

Continue Reading Coker Explains Why Zingano Isn’t Next For Cyborg As Originally Planned at MMA News.

Cat Zingano Set To Face Pam Sorenson Next, Not Cris Cyborg

Cat Zingano will not be fighting for the Bellator featherweight title next. It seemed like the Bellator featherweight title picture was pretty clear. Cris “Cyborg” Justino was being called out by Cat Zingano and both had publicly agreed to fight one another. Now, it seems that Zingano will not be facing Cyborg for the title…

Continue Reading Cat Zingano Set To Face Pam Sorenson Next, Not Cris Cyborg at MMA News.

Cat Zingano will not be fighting for the Bellator featherweight title next.

It seemed like the Bellator featherweight title picture was pretty clear. Cris “Cyborg” Justino was being called out by Cat Zingano and both had publicly agreed to fight one another. Now, it seems that Zingano will not be facing Cyborg for the title next. Instead, a bout was announced where Zingano is matched up with Pam Sorenson.

Zingano came to Bellator after a good run in the UFC, which included a title shot. She has two wins now in Bellator’s featherweight division and has been campaigning for a shot at the belt. She proposed that Cyborg and herself meet at the Bellator event that was scheduled for Los Angeles in January, but that date was not set. Following the agreement to fight, she began to call Cyborg out for allegedly failing to agree to take a drug test.

Cyborg denied claims that she would not adhere to drug testing and now is claiming that it was Zingano who passed up the chance to make their agreement official. In a tweet that was later deleted, Cyborg addressed the Zingano vs. Sorenson match-up.

“She turned down a World Title Fight to compete on the prelims?!” Cyborg wrote and deleted (via Yahoo! Sports.)

Sorenson is ranked seventh in the Bellator rankings, and Zingano sits in second. Sorenson is coming off a loss to Arlene Blencowe back in November. Before that, she won two in a row in Bellator and Invicta FC. Most likely with a win, Zingano would be next for a title shot; however, the terms that led to the potential fight falling through this time around could very well create issues going forward.

Do you think a fight between Cris Cyborg and Cat Zingano will ever be made?

Continue Reading Cat Zingano Set To Face Pam Sorenson Next, Not Cris Cyborg at MMA News.

Cris Cyborg Responds To Cat Zingano’s Allegations Of Drug Test Dodging

Bellator featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino has hit back at Cat Zingano after she accused the champion of potentially doping. Justino is expected to potentially face Zingano for her next appearance in the cage. But, Zingano has alleged that she has a matchup with another opponent set in March as a No. 1 contender fight. […]

Continue Reading Cris Cyborg Responds To Cat Zingano’s Allegations Of Drug Test Dodging at MMA News.

Bellator featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino has hit back at Cat Zingano after she accused the champion of potentially doping.

Justino is expected to potentially face Zingano for her next appearance in the cage. But, Zingano has alleged that she has a matchup with another opponent set in March as a No. 1 contender fight.

Zingano has accused Justino of dodging drug tests ahead of a potential return to the cage later this year. This prompted quite the heated response from the featherweight champ.

“Cat Zingano, why are you lying?” Justino said. “I haven’t refused any drug tests. I’m ready whenever you are. Behind the scenes you keep saying to Bellator you need more time to prepare for me, you need a different opponent first, now you go on social media with lies and smear campaigns and excuses? Sad.” (h/t BJPenn)

Justino last competed against Sinead Kavanagh back in November, earning a first-round knockout. It was speculated that Justino could potentially face Kayla Harrison next, but Harrison’s free agency appears to be headed in the PFL’s favor and not Bellator’s.

Zingano, a former UFC title challenger, has yet to fight for the belt since making the move to Bellator. Following a loss to Megan Anderson in her UFC finale, she’s earned back-to-back wins over Olivia Parker and Gabrielle Holloway.

Justino has had a complicated legacy in MMA. She tested positive for steroids earlier in her career and had her license suspended to compete in California.

It’s unclear if and when Justino and Zingano will settle their beef in the Bellator cage, but it’s sure to be quite the buildup to their fight.

What are your thoughts on the Cat Zingano/Cris Cyborg controversy?

Continue Reading Cris Cyborg Responds To Cat Zingano’s Allegations Of Drug Test Dodging at MMA News.