A former UFC title contender is headed to Bellator.

Cat Zingano has signed a multifight deal with the promotion and will compete in Bellator's featherweight division. Her debut date and opponent are unknown.

"They asked me what would make me happy and motivated. I told them, then they came back with an even bigger number," Zingano told ESPN on Tuesday. "Initially, can't lie, I was struggling with making a decision only because my mind was fatigued, and I had a few things complete physically. I'm happy with how it came together. I can still accomplish the few things I had yet to accomplish in the UFC, just a different platform. I get to set brand new goals and do it on a whole new fresh blank slate. I get to start over, I get to reinvent, I get to go back to my roots if I want, too. I get to get excited and nervous for the new possibilities, and that makes my heart happy! These extra ten pounds will be just about as lovely as the fact I now get sponsors.

"I'm grateful for where I've come from and definitely look forward to where I'm going. I want to grow and create an even stronger Bellator. I'm committed to it. A motivated Cat is a dangerous Cat."

The 37-year-old Zingano (10-4) was somewhat surprisingly released from the UFC in August when the two sides couldn't agree on a return fight due to scheduling differences.

"I didn't want to take the ultimatum this time," Zingano told ESPN in August. "So I guess you can say it was mutual. I had a project that was very, very important to me, and to the MMA community and fans, and I needed to put me, my son, my training and that first before I had anything to give to the UFC. It's s---ty timing, but it happens, and I'm still a fighter and ready to f--- s--- up." The project, an original series entitled Why We Fight, is currently available for viewing on ESPN+.

Her most recent fight was a TKO loss to Megan Anderson in December 2018 after Anderson's toe hit her in the eye.

Zingano has lost four of her past five fights after starting her career a perfect 9-0.

She most famously lost to Ronda Rousey in 14 seconds at UFC 184 in 2015. Her most notable victory came against current UFC women's bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 178 in 2014. In fact, that is Nunes' most recent loss. Since then she has won nine straight.

Zingano also holds victories over former UFC champion Miesha Tate and Raquel Pennington. Her signing comes on the heels of Bellator signing former UFC women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, who will meet Bellator 145-pound champion Julia Budd on Jan. 25.