Cat Zingano is able to return to the cage.
Driving a two-fight win streak, Zingano (12-4) is looking for championship gold. She defeated Olivia Parker final April at Bellator 256, placing herself in place for a title shot. Bellator President Scott Coker not too long ago shared with MMA Junkie that Zingano is subsequent in line to struggle the good Cris Cyborg, the reigning ladies’s featherweight champion. Whereas not but official, that struggle seems to be occurring quickly.
“I’ve requested for Cris a bunch of instances and he or she has requested for me a bunch of instances,” Zingano mentioned. “I do know I’ve a confirmed date on March 11. I don’t have an opponent or a location, however we did agree upon that date. That’s what I’m coaching for and excited for. I want to know the main points, however proper now we’re speaking.”
Zingano is among the extra compelling personalities in MMA. She is featured on a brand new episode of Double Responsibility, detailing the way in which she balances her profession with motherhood, that are roles that modified after she misplaced her husband, Mauricio Zingano, in 2014. But she tapped into an unimaginable energy and braveness, one which has allowed her to be an outstanding mum or dad and stay a world-class combined martial artist.
“Being a mum or dad is difficult,” Zingano mentioned. “A lot of it’s studying as we go, and that’s one of many causes I wished to do that undertaking. I’m fiercely protecting of these I like, however I like to share my world, too. And I’m so enthusiastic about being my son’s mother. My son saved my life, he’s my north star.
“It may be tough to be a mother and prepare. I need to be the balance-maker between athlete and mum or dad as I presumably will be. However I’ve a son I like, and we’re wholesome. I’ve a job I like. Sure, I even have issues, however I’m impressed by folks that hold going. So after I get the prospect to do this for different individuals, it’s a large factor that I all the time need to do.”
Cat Zingano.
Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports activities
Up till final month, Zingano stood out because the final individual to defeat Amanda Nunes within the Octagon. That TKO victory passed off at UFC 178 in 2014. Following that loss, Nunes then blazed a outstanding path, profitable her subsequent 12 fights in dominating trend. That streak resulted in December when Julianna Peña pressured Nunes to faucet, changing into the primary fighter to beat her since Zingano.
“It bummed me out a bit as a result of I nonetheless have this need to be the one which additionally will get to return to struggle Amanda and beat her once more,” mentioned Zingano, exhibiting off her aggressive spirit. “However it was an excellent struggle.”
Zingano stays dedicated and dedicated to rising the game. She has two extra fights on her present Bellator deal, and her resolution to go away UFC and as a substitute signal with Bellator illustrated that prime fighters have choices in MMA.
“I like Bellator,” Zingano mentioned. “I’m handled proper, paid pretty, and now we have a deep division at 145. It’s hard-hitting, slugging mamas. I nonetheless take into consideration UFC as a result of I really feel like I’ve unfinished enterprise there, however I’m joyful to be right here and struggle this deep division of badass ladies.”
Justin Barrasso will be reached at [email protected]. Comply with him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
