It has now been well over a year since Cat Zingano’s last fight: a disappointing decision loss to Julianna Pena on the undercard of UFC 200 in July of 2016. From the sounds of it, that could soon change.
On Thursday morning, Zingano published a Tweet suggesting that she had been given an opponent and date for her comeback, and that the news was coming shortly.
I have who. I have where. I know when. It’s time. #teamalphacat #alphacatzingano #catzinganomma #acz #ufc #fightlife @ufc pic.twitter.com/3Svvhve7cH
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) November 16, 2017
“I have who. I have where. I know when. It’s time.” Zingano said on Twitter.
Shortly thereafter, BJPenn.com’s Tom Taylor was able to confirm that the most likely candidate for this Cat Zingano comeback is undefeated Brazilian bantamweight contender Ketlen Vieira.
I am hearing the opponent for Cat Zingano’s return to the cage is probably going to be Ketlen Vieira. Not sure of the date/venue. Stay tuned.
— Tom Taylor (@TomTayMMA) November 16, 2017
Vieira was briefly linked to a bout with former featherweight champ Germaine de Randamie, but this bout was nixed when De Randamie withdrew with a hand injury.
Prior to her loss to Pena, Zingano experienced a blitzkrieg submission loss to then champion Ronda Rousey. This failed title bid was preceded by a perfect start to her career, during which she picked up wins over top flight foes in Raquel Pennington, Miesha Tate, and current titleholder Amanda Nunes.
Who do you want to see Cat Zingano battle in her long awaited return to the Octagon? Do you think Ketlen Vieira is the right choice? Join the conversation in the comments section!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 16/11/2017.