By now, many of you may have heard that Mauricio Zingano (2-0-1) — husband of UFC bantamweight Cat Zingano (8-0) — hanged himself Monday night in Denver, Colorado.
In an interview with Globo, Zingano’s manger Jorge Guimaraes said: “Yes, he hanged himself in Denver on Monday. It’s something unexplainable, [I] 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, [and] does not know what to do.”
On Facebook, Cat Zingano posted: I will always love you Mauricio. CZ
She followed with a statement to the media:
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
The third-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu leaves behind his wife and six-year-old son, leaving many perplexed by his death.
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Cat Zingano was the first mother to compete in the UFC and was expected to face Ronda Rousey in December at UFC 168, but had to withdraw due to injury. At UFC 168’s post-fight conference, UFC President Dana White said Zingano was expected to start training again in March.
After I released the news of Zingano’s death and how he died on my site The Hollywood MMA Show, I received criticism for my post.
As a member of the media it is my job to deliver information correctly and in a timely manner. Those who say no one should know the method, reason, or outcome of this situation, are oblivious to the fact that people are curious and would like to know the who, what, why, when, where and how. I respect family privacy when it comes to being unethical or unprofessional in reporting a story, but in the end people want to know the facts, and that’s what the media is here to do.
What I have a problem with, is when many people say the cliche, “our (my) thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family,” or something of that nature. What does that mean? Celebrities say it, fans say, some media say it, but what are they talking about?
Yes, you can have a thought or two about a situation, but how do you send your thoughts to an individual and what do those thoughts do? How do you send prayers to a family? Airmail it? Fedex it? Fax the prayer?
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In a social media and cliche driven world, I deliver news, and at times, my reaction to that news. Sometimes I don’t put my two cents in if I think it would be uneventful, unprofessional, or not conducive to the situation.
However, it does bother me when those common cliches come out and start popping up on Twitter or any other social media outlet. I think to myself, what does that mean? Can someone please explain to me, what sending someone thoughts and prayers are?
You can’t, because it doesn’t exist.
Instead of saying that, let’s be real and say, “so sad to hear,” “wow, I’m surprised,” “that’s crazy,” “I can’t imagine,” or something to that tone. Unless you can figure out how to package a thought or a prayer to someone…Someone please let me know.
Obligation
Now, that being said, since many people do want answers (not that they are entitled to it by any means), I think it is our obligation to try and find out.
There are many speculating if there were marital issues in the Zingano’s marriage, was something else wrong, etc. But if we as the media are not able to find out, then those questions will continue to linger; so I believe it is my job to find out as much as possible, without being too intrusive.
Where’s the line for the media being too intrusive? Well, that’s for another story, my friends.
Until then enjoy this day and don’t take life for granted.
David Kano is lead writer for MMA Show News and co-host of The Hollywood MMA Show. You can follow him on Twitter @TheDKano.
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