Mauricio Zingano, the husband and trainer of UFC fighter Cat Zingano, died on Monday after committing suicide.
Brazilian sports site Globo.com quoted Jorge Guimarães, who says Mauricio, 37, hanged himself in Denver.
“Yes, he hanged himself in Denver on Monday,” Guimaraes told Globo.com (via Google translate). “It’s something unexplainable, do not know what may have motivated him to do so. We were together and he was fine, had plans and a lifetime ahead. It’s a tragedy. I’m going to Denver today to assist Cat, who is devastated, does not know what to do.”
Cat Zingano beat Miesha Tate in April and was in line to fight Ronda Rousey, but she underwent knee surgery and was replaced by Tate. Tate instead coached against Rousey in “The Ultimate Fighter” and fought Rousey at UFC 168. Zingano, who is 8-0, has a son with Mauricio. Mauricio was a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and trainer, and ran the Zingano BJJ gym in Colorado.
According to FOX’s Mike Chiappetta, Mauricio was 2-0-1 as a fighter before becoming a teacher. Here was the statement they posted from Cat commenting on her husband’s death:
Late yesterday evening I learned that my husband and soul mate of seven years, Mauricio Zingano, has passed away.
My life has changed irrevocably. I am shocked and deeply saddened. Thankfully, my family and friends are coming together to provide the support I need. I am grateful for them, as I know there are many difficult days ahead.
I also very much appreciate the outpour of support from the jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts world. My husband was well known and respected in this close-knit community and I know he would appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers, as do I.
At this time, I respectfully ask everyone to give me privacy as I gather with relatives and friends. Again, I give thanks to all for the kind words of support.
Sincerely,
Cat Zingano
According to Chiappetta, the two were married for three years.
Photo: Cat Zingano/Facebook
