Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg thinks Cat Zingano is a logical next fight for her.
Fresh off her first-round knockout of Sinead Kavanagh at Bellator 271, Cyborg (25-2 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) might already have a potential opponent lined up despite all the talk about Kayla Harrison.
Former UFC title challenger and No. 2-ranked Zingano (12-4 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) called out Cyborg after her most recent title defense, and Cyborg responded by suggesting January in Los Angeles.
January. LA. @ScottCoker @BellatorMMA https://t.co/KWUwOiqDcF
— @CrisCyborg.com (@criscyborg) November 15, 2021
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Cyborg said considering Zingano’s standing in the division and her accomplishments in the sport, she’d be more than willing to face her. Zingano is the last woman to defeat UFC dual champion Amanda Nunes, coming from behind to finish her in the third round at UFC 178 in 2014.
“I don’t pick who I want to fight, but you threw that and if it happens, it happens,” Cyborg said. “Cat Zingano is a great fight. The girl beat Amanda Nunes, the last one to beat Amanda Nunes, and she’s undefeated in Bellator, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to fight her.”
Since joining the Bellator roster in October 2019, Zingano has picked up a win over Gabby Holloway and a first-round submission of Olivia Parker in April. January would mark a quick turnaround for Cyborg, but the Brazilian said she’s always in the gym anyway.
“It’s nice when I have a quick turnaround,” Cyborg said. “Just rest a little bit then back to training again. It’s very nice, it’s a long camp, but I train everyday. So if I train everyday, it’s not just training for the camp. I train everyday, so when it’s close to the fight, I just make a plan on how the fight is gonna work, the game plan of the fight.”
