Austin Lingo

Austin Lingo (born July 10, 1994) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division. A professional since 2017, he is most notable for his stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Early life
Lingo began training in martial arts at a young age after his father found out he’d been involved in a street fight. Lingo started boxing, along with training Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. He became so enthralled in the latter that he went across the globe to train in the birthplace of Muay Thai, Thailand.

Early career
In his MMA debut at LFA 16, he defeated Charles Williams via unanimous decision. Lingo submitted Josh Foster in the first round via guillotine choke at Xtreme Knockout 39, before returning to Legacy Fighting Alliance, where he would spend the rest of his career on the regional scene. He would win his next 5 bouts under the banner; Omar Benjar via TKO in round one at LFA 33, Phil Gonzalez via unanimous decision at LFA 40, Aaron Webb via knock out in the first round at LFA 55, Angel Cruz via rear naked choke in the first round at LFA 62. In his final performance for the promotion, at LFA 73, Lingo faced Solo Hatley Jr., defeating him by knock out 25 seconds into the bout.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his promotional debut, Lingo faced fellow newcomer Youssef Zalal on February 8, 2020, at UFC 247. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Lingo faced Jacob Kilburn on January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar. He won the bout in convincing fashion via unanimous decision.

Lingo faced Luis Saldaña on August 21, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Lingo was scheduled to face Jonathan Pearce on February 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 201. However, Lingo pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.

As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Lingo was scheduled to face David Onama on July 9, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 39. However, Lingo pulled out during fight week.

As the first fight of his new multi-fight contract, Lingo was expected to face Ricardo Ramos in a featherweight bout on March 11, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 221. However, the bout was cancelled after Ramos weighed in at 154 pounds, eight pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit.

Lingo faced Nate Landwehr, replacing Alex Caceres, on March 25, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 43. Lingo lost the bout via rear-naked choke at the end of the second round.

Lingo next face Melquizael Costa at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva on July 15, 2023. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

On December 12, 2023, it was announced that Lingo was no longer on the UFC roster.