Ronda Rousey is the UFC’s pre-eminent female fighter, and now she is on track to fight one of its biggest comeback stars.
After Cat Zingano defeated Brazilian fighter Amanda Nunes this week, the head of the UFC confirmed that she’s earned her shot at Rousey .
Zingano was actually on the path for a fight against Ronda Rousey in the past, with plans for her to coach opposite Rousey in The Ultimate Fighter 18 last year and a ranking as the No. 1 contender. But Zingano suffered a knee injury that kept her out for close to 18 months.
In Zingano’s absence, Ronda Rousey has taken on a number of other contenders, including Miesha Tate. But after Zingano’s impressive victory over Nunes, UFC president Dana White now said he will bump her to the top of the rotation.
“Yes, yeah, [Zingano]’s in,” White said at the UFC 178 post-fight press conference. “This is what I’m assuming, and you guys probably didn’t hear it, but she was screaming at me after the fight. She ran over and started screaming, ‘do you see me? Do you see me?’ Yes, I see you. This was the shut-up about Gina Carano I think. I think that’s what Cat, [that’s] the statement she wanted to make tonight, and she made it loud and clear.”
White said that Zingano is fully back from the knee injury that sidelines her rise to the top of the UFC.
“She’s been away for awhile, she had some injuries,” White said of Zingano. “She was dealing with some personal problems, but she is back. The fans needed to see her, and she needed to remind everybody why she was in line for a title fight. She did it tonight.”
Zingano added that she’s ready for Ronda Rousey.
“I’m ready. I’m ready to do this. Let’s go,” she said. “I’ve got nothing but respect for this sport. It’s my time. I’m ready.”
Ronda Rousey, who in the past had tried to sell the idea of a fight against Gina Carano , appeared to acknowledge her new rival. In Las Vegas for UFC 178, Rousey was seen smiling after Zingano raised her arms in victory.
[Image via MMAConvert.com ]
