Well the end of the year is upon us, which means it’s time to review all our favorite moments of 2013. We’ll have several awards to discuss over the next couple weeks. The most important thing we’re looking for is feedback. We’d love to hear your comments and YOUR picks for these categories. Today we’ll tackle Breakthrough Fighter of the Year.
This is why I love women’s MMA right now. A fighter can literally go from being known only in certain circles, to a UFC headliner overnight. That’s pretty much what Cat Zingano did in 2013. Upon being signed by the UFC after just one fight in Invicta in 2012, Zingano was booked in the 2nd female fight in the company’s history against one of the most recognizable names in the division, Miesha Tate.
The first mother in the octagon made sure the story played out perfectly that night, coming back from several edge-of-your-seat moments to rally and get stronger as the fight progressed. The beating Zingano put on Tate was one to behold.
Immediately following the fight, Zingano was promised a life-changing reward—a fight with Ronda Rousey and a coaching slot opposite the champ on The Ultimate Fighter. As we now know, a blown knee ended Cat’s hopes of starring on TUF. But the title shot is still looming as she recovers from her injury.
Cat Zingano is our choice for breakthrough fighter of the year for her entrance onto the scene in early 2013. She went from obscurity to star in one night.
Other nominees…Conor McGregor, TJ Grant, Travis Browne
