Cat Zingano, a name synonymous with resilience and power in women’s mixed martial arts, continues to carve a formidable path in Bellator. The former UFC bantamweight title contender showcased her unwavering determination and refined grappling skills once again, securing her second consecutive victory under the Bellator banner. At Bellator 256, Zingano faced Olivia Parker, delivering a swift and decisive submission victory that underscored her championship aspirations in the featherweight division.
Zingano (12-4 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) entered the cage with a clear game plan, wasting no time in imposing her will upon Parker (4-2 MMA, 0-1 BMMA). From the opening bell, Zingano demonstrated her aggressive intent, launching a head kick within the first ten seconds before seamlessly transitioning to her wrestling expertise. Engaging in a clinch against the cage, Zingano skillfully maneuvered Parker, taking the fight to the mat where her ground prowess truly shone.
Once on the ground, Zingano displayed a masterful command of grappling transitions. She fluidly moved from securing Parker’s back to establishing a dominant full mount, before returning to back control. Even when Parker managed to reverse the position, Zingano remained composed and strategically astute. Capitalizing on an opening, Zingano swiftly locked in a decisive armbar, forcing the tap at 2:56 of the very first round. This marked Zingano’s first submission victory since October 2012, a testament to her evolving and dangerous skillset within the cage.
“I’d love to get a shot at the belt over here in #Bellator.”@CatZingano gets the W tonight at #Bellator256.
We are LIVE NOW on @SHOsports.⬇ï¸â–¶ï¸ https://t.co/RNtauZXM3o pic.twitter.com/oIcXsir0w8
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) April 10, 2021
With this dominant win, Zingano, at 38 years old, has firmly positioned herself as a top contender in Bellator’s women’s featherweight division. Her intentions are clear: a shot at the title currently held by Cris Cyborg. With a title fight looming next month between Cyborg and Leslie Smith, Zingano is eagerly awaiting her opportunity to challenge for Bellator gold.
“I am in a run for gold,” Zingano declared with conviction after her victory. “I know who’s the best. I’d love to get a shot at the title here in Bellator.” Her performance at Bellator 256 served as a powerful statement to the featherweight division – Cat Zingano is a force to be reckoned with, and her pursuit of championship gold is well underway.
Bellator 256 Full Results:
The Bellator 256 event showcased a night of thrilling fights, with results including:
- Cat Zingano def. Olivia Parker via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 2:56
- Dan Moret def. Goiti Yamauchi via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Dalton Rosta def. Tony Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Talita Nogueira def. Jessica Borga via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Jornel Lugo def. Cass Bell via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
- Cody Law def. Nathan Ghareeb via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jaylon Bates def. Jeffrey Glossner via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 1:27
- Nainoa Dung def. Izzy William via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Diana Avsaragova def. Tara Graff via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:29
- John Douma def. Will Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
