Cat Zingano could've been fighting Ronda Rousey this weekend for the women's bantamweight title. Instead she's waiting on the sidelines as Miesha Tate, who she defeated back in April, took her coaching gig on TUF 18 and the title shot after she tore her ACL in her right knee earlier this year. In the UFC 168 media scrum, Dana White addressed Zingano's status in the division:
(When asked about Zingano's health)
"She's doing good," White said. "Hopefully she stays healthy and we can get her back by summer."
(When asked if she would be an immediate contender)
"Oh she's the number one. She's numero uno, when she's healthy she'll be ready to go."
You can watch the complete scrum video here, (courtesy of MMA Fight Corner).
White also stated that Sara McMann took some time off to "deal with some personal issues" and is expected to return some time next year.
There has obviously been plenty of debate over the merit of "number one contender" when we've had multiple instances within the past few years of the supposed top contender not receiving a title shot. However, barring a dramatic twist in the tale, it only makes sense for Zingano (8-0) to get the next crack at the belt. The only other fighter in the division with a case for a title fight is Alexis Davis, who is 2-0 in the UFC and holds a recent win over Liz Carmouche. Otherwise, Zingano earned her chance with her TKO win over Tate and she'll either be in a rematch with her or facing Rousey next summer.
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