Dana White: Cat Zingano still going to be out 'awhile'
Why did Alexis Davis get the title fight against Ronda Rousey over Cat Zingano? It's pretty simple, according to UFC president Dana White. Zingano, unfortunately, isn't going to be ready by July or any time soon.
White said Wednesday night at the "TUF Nations" post-fight press conference that Zingano is going to be out "awhile" and is still dealing with rehab from a torn ACL and the tragic death of her husband and coach, Mauricio. White said she has not yet returned to training.
"Obviously, everybody knows what happened with her knee and that other tragedy in her life," White said. "She's had a lot of stuff to deal with."
The UFC will of course give Zingano, 31, all the time she needs to get better. Last year at this time, the Colorado native had earned the No. 1 contender spot by knocking out Miesha Tate. But then she tore her ACL and had to forfeit that distinction and a spot as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 18 to Tate.
In January, Mauricio tragically hung himself. Not only was he her husband, but also her mentor and trainer in MMA.
Zingano's manager Ed Soares said that she was targeting a return in June, but apparently that won't happen. After weeks of rumors that Gina Carano could return and get an immediate title shot, Rousey will defend the women's bantamweight title against Davis at UFC 175 on July 5 in Las Vegas.
Zingano is still the rightful No. 1 contender. It's just a question of when she'll be ready to return to the Octagon.
