The last time UFC fans saw Cat Zingano in the octagon was at UFC 184 on February 28, 2015 and she was defeated by Ronda Rousey in the main event of that fight card. Over the past couple of months, fans and media members have speculated when we may see the former title challenger back in the UFC cage.
On Friday night’s edition of “Inside MMA” on AXS TV, Ron Kruck had an interview with the bantamweight fighter. During the interview, Zingano explained that the fight she wants is against current UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, but she already has a fight lined up and the UFC will be announcing that fight booking shortly.
“Being that I’ve had a year off, they really want me to come back and have a tune-up fight,” said Zingano. “The fight that I want the most, clearly, is Miesha. Seeing her win that fight (vs. Holly Holm), and in the fashion she won that fight, definitely put a fire in my spirit to want to get back out there and fight her. When I blew my knee, I had just beaten Miesha, and Miesha off a loss to me was still handed my title shot. So I don’t really think the logistics of coming off a loss, or this or that, especially in this case, should really be stood by. But the UFC is going to do what they’re going to do. Obviously, that’s the fight I want.”
“But, I’m not looking past this opponent – this is a very, very valid opponent, and it’s going to be an exciting fight,” Zingano continued. “And I’m super stoked for what you guys get to see. So I know once you hear it, you are going to be like ahh. I can’t say anything yet. I can’t be the one to break the news. But the UFC has to be the one to break it. But I’ll just tell you it’s going to be epic. You are going to love it and it’s going to be the beginning of the summer. My birthday is July 1 and I will just let you know that it’s either going to be an early or late birthday present. But around that area.”
Check out Zigano’s complete interview from Friday night’s episode of “Inside MMA” on AXS TV below, which also includes Zingano talking about the comments made by Ronda Rousey following UFC 193.