MMA Pension Bill Paralleling 41-Year-Old Boxing Rule, Once Backed by Ronda Rousey, Sees an Emotional Cat Zingano Recall WWE Star’s Call of Support

After their initial meeting in the octagon at UFC 184, Cat Zingano and Ronda Rousey have maintained a close bond. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion recently approached Zingano with a legislative bill proposed by San Francisco Assembly’s Matt Haney. The bill aims to establish a pension fund for MMA fighters and address the absence of guaranteed income and retirement benefits. ‘Alpha’ readily accepted the opportunity and testified in favor of the bill. Known as AB 1136, it proposes a retirement benefit for fighters who participate in 12 to 14 fights in California. The benefits would then become effective once they turn 50.

The bill aims to fund retirement benefits through a $1 tax on MMA event tickets and merchandise sales. It received unanimous approval from the California Senate’s Committee on Business and Professions and may soon proceed to a general vote in the assembly. If passed and signed into law, it will only apply to fighters who compete after its enactment and will not have retroactive effects.

While discussing her involvement in the same, the 41-year-old Bellator star highlighted her strong relationship with ‘Rowdy.’ She also emphasized the mutual respect and support they share.

Cat Zingano heaps high praise on Ronda Rousey over MMA Pension Bill

Cat Zingano recently appeared on MMA Hour to discuss her involvement in the MMA Pension Bill. During her conversation with Ariel Helwani, the 41-year-old MMA fighter revealed, “Ronda Rousey reached out to me, and she asked me if, you know, it was something that I supported. She’s a big part of it right now. And she, you know, wanted me to be a big part of it, and her and her mom kind of- we all talked and figured out how to be kind of the female voice of this.”

Zingano further added, “With all of her fights, everyone she fought before, there was this, kind of gameplan of being a bully to them, you know. But she threw me off by never being rude to me. She’s always only had my back, and I’ve always only had her back.”

Read more: Is Ronda Rousey Returning to the UFC? What Did Chelsea Chandler Reveal About the Ex-UFC Champ’s Comeback to the Women’s Featherweight Division?

It’s worth noting that boxers have had a pension plan in place since 1982. This system has been providing retirement benefits for boxers, ensuring financial security post-retirement. The introduction of this pension plan for MMA fighters in California is a significant step towards providing them with similar support.

Rousey’s support carries significant weight in doing so. Moreover, Zingano’s testimony and advocacy for the fighter pension bill have made a significant impact in driving change, resonating with many and contributing to the bill’s successful progression through the legislative process.

What are your thoughts on the pension plan for MMA fighters? Let us know your takes in the comment section below.

Watch this story: UFC Commentator Makes a Case for Ronda Rousey’s Return to the Octagon