UPDATED Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Cat Zingano Released from UFC
Editor's note: The story has been updated at 1:25 p.m. ET on 8/15/19 to reflect Zingano's response to her release.
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MMAjunkie.com was first to report the news. Zingano was victorious in just one of her last five bouts, a unanimous verdict against Marion Reneau at UFC Boise in July 2018. She last appeared at UFC 232 in December, when she suffered a stoppage loss to Megan Anderson due to an eye injury that occurred when her opponent landed a head kick.
Zingano began her professional tenure with nine consecutive triumphs, a streak that included victories over Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes in the Octagon. She challenged for 135-pound gold at UFC 184, tapping to a Ronda Rousey armbar in just 14 seconds.
The 37-year-old Broomfield, Colo., native’s resume also includes wins over Raquel Pennington and Barb Honchak prior to joining the Las Vegas-based promotion.
Following her release from the UFC, Cat Zingano has given a statement, claiming it was "mutual" and that she was working on a project of her own that she could not set aside for the promotion.
"I didn't want to take the ultimatum this time," Zingano said to ESPN on Wednesday. "So I guess you can say it was mutual. I had a project that was very, very important to me, and to the MMA community and fans, and I needed to put me, my son, my training and that first before I had anything to give to the UFC. It's sh*tty timing, but it happens, and I'm still a fighter and ready to f*ck sh*t up."
What project she is working on is unknown. But, when she is able to fight again, she should have suitors out there.
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