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.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
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.[4] 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.[5]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his promotional debut, Lingo faced fellow newcomer Youssef Zalal on February 8, 2020, at UFC 247.[6] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[7]
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.[8]
As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Lingo was scheduled to face David Onama on July 9, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 39.[13][14] However, Lingo pulled out during fight week.[15]
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.[16][17] However, the bout was cancelled after Ramos weighed in at 154 pounds, eight pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit.[18]
On December 12, 2023, it was announced that Lingo was no longer on the UFC roster.[23]
Post-UFC Career
In his first fight since leaving the UFC, Lingo faced undefeated prospect Cameron Teague in the main event of Fury FC 95 on August 2, 2024.[24] He would lose the fight via technical knockout in the second round.[25]
