Cat Zingano's husband dead following apparent suicide

Sorry fight fans, as this is one of those posts I don't want to have to share with you.

Cat Zingano's husband, Mauricio Zingano, died this past Monday (Jan. 13, 2014) from an apparent suicide in Denver, Colorado, according to a report from Globo, who was able to obtain a first-hand report from friend and trainer Jorge Guimarães.

"Yes, he hanged himself in Denver on Monday. 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."

FOX Sports was able to confirm Zingano's passing with the Jefferson County coroner.

Cat was expected to compete for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women's bantamweight championship last month in Las Vegas, Nevada; however, a knee injury forced her to withdraw from her title fight, as well as her role as coach on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18.

She was replaced by fellow 135-pound contender Miesha Tate.

"Alpha" was scheduled to return to the Octagon in late spring following clearance from her orthopedic doctor, and even had first dibs on the winner of Ronda Rousey vs. Sara McMann, though it's likely those plans will be put on hold following this unfortunate incident.

A sad day for the Zingano family and the entire mixed martial arts (MMA) community.

We will have more details on this still-developing story as they become available.