Nicco Montano

BIOGRAPHY

Nicco Montaño’s journey from a small town in Arizona to the top of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) can be described as nothing short of remarkable. Born on December 16, 1988, in Lukachukai, Arizona, her diverse heritage includes Navajo, Chickasaw, and Hispanic roots. After completing her high school education from Chinle High School in 2006, she attended Arizona State University and Diné College before enrolling at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

Her tryst with sports began early and took an abrupt shift from boxing to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, eventually leading to her becoming a mixed martial artist in 2013. Prior to this, she spent time at Durango Martial Arts Academy while in Colorado, an experience that ignited her passion for martial arts.

Montaño began her professional mixed martial arts career in 2015 after a remarkable amateur stint that amassed a 5-0 record. Her initial professional matches were predominantly for King of the Cage, where she notched up the KOTC Women’s Flyweight Championship.

In 2017, her consistent performance saw her receiving a call from the Ultimate Fighter 26. Her first match with the UFC veteran Lauren Murphy saw her winning unanimously after two intense rounds. Similar performances followed against Montana Stewart in the quarterfinals and Barb Honchak, the former Invicta FC Flyweight Champion in the semifinals.

She was set to lock horns with Sijara Eubanks for the inaugural UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship on December 1, 2017. However, Eubanks’ failure to make the weight owing to kidney failure saw Roxanne Modafferi stepping in as the replacement. Montaño won the fight and became the inaugural UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.

Despite her newfound status, she remained humble and emotional, revealing her financial struggles prior to her win. Post her win she was due for an encounter with Valentina Shevchenko in the UFC 228 on September 8, 2018. However, the match was cancelled as Montaño was hospitalized due to weight-cutting related issues.

A series of misfortunate events pursued as she was stripped of her UFC Women’s Flyweight title and subsequently suspended by USADA for six months due to testing positive for Ostarine. The suspension lasted from November 15, 2018, and she was eligible to return to the ring by May 15, 2019.

Her return fight came against Sara McMann on July 13 2019, where she was replaced by Julianna Peña owing to McMann’s injury and succumbed to Peña. A scheduled match with Macy Chiasson was also put off due to Montaño’s injury. Subsequently, she was forced to withdraw from matches scheduled with Julia Avila and Karol Rosa due to her coach’s COVID-19 diagnosis and undisclosed reasons.

Montaño’s bout with Wu Yanan that was scheduled for July 31, 2021, also didn’t pan out as she missed her weigh-in limit which led to the fight getting cancelled. Following a string of unfortunate events, Montaño was released from the UFC on August 3, 2021.

Throughout her career, Montaño remained a determined fighter, undeterred by the numerous obstacles she faced. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring women fighters worldwide and she continues to remain a powerful figure in the world of mixed martial arts.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What Is Nicco Montano Doing Now?
As a UFC journalist, I don't have specific current information on Nicco Montano's activities beyond her regular postings on Instagram.

Who Will Nicco Montano Fight Next?
As a UFC journalist, I am unable to confirm who Nicco Montano will be fighting next.

Who Is Nicco Montano In UFC?
Nicco Montaño is an American mixed martial artist, known as the inaugural UFC Women's Flyweight Champion, who last competed in the bantamweight division of the UFC.

Who Won The Fight Between Nicco Montano And Valentina Shevchenko?
The fight between Nicco Montano and Valentina Shevchenko did not occur as Montano was stripped of her UFC flyweight title.

Will Nicco Montano Be Competing In 2023?
As of the current information, it is unknown whether Nicco Montano will be competing in UFC in 2023.

What Is Nicco Montano's Record In UFC?
Nicco Montano's record in UFC is 5 wins and 3 losses with no draws.

When Was Nicco Montano's Last Fight?
Nicco Montano's last fight was in July 2019 against Julianna Pena.

What Is Nicco Montano's Net Worth?
As of the 2024 update, the exact net worth of MMA fighter Nicco Montano is unknown.

What Is The Documentary About Nicco Montano?
The documentary about Nicco Montaño chronicles her journey and trials as the first Native American woman to capture a title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.