UFC women’s bantamweight contender Cat Zingano’s husband Mauricio Zingano has died at age 37.
The acclaimed Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, who helped train Cat, was found dead Monday. He is survived by his wife and their young son.
Veteran MMA manager Jorge Guimaraes told Brazilian outlet sportv.globo.com that Zingano committed suicide by hanging himself in Colorado where he resided.
An official statement is expected to be released Tuesday. In the meantime, Cat released the following statement to Mike Chiappetta of FOX Sports:
“Late [Monday] 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.”
Mauricio, originally from Rio de Janeiro, was a third-degree black belt who trained with the famed Gracie family. He complied a 4-0 amateur MMA record and a 2-0-1 pro record, but his true passion was grappling. He owned and operated two Zingano BJJ academies in Colorado and had worked with many of the top UFC stars over the years, including Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida and Jose Aldo among others.
