Cat Zingano earned her title shot on Saturday at UFC 178.
After a rough start to the fight, “Alpha” Cat Zingano took over. She got into top position and controlled Nunes while landing shots. Eventually, in the third round, Zingano got into full mount on a tired Nunes. She landed heavy shots to earn the stoppage.
Nunes was game but didn't do enough. When Joe Rogan asked Zingano about the finish, she responded, “I just want to go home to my little boy. Get this s--- over with.” She got it over with, and now she can head home.
What We'll Remember About This Fight
The incredible opening round.
Nunes landed in top position early in the fight, and for most of the first round she dominated with big punches in ground-and-pound. Zingano did enough to move from the bottom and survive.
Zingano may have been on the brink of losing the round 10-8, but she rebounded to take top position herself. She executed a brilliant throw and landed shots of her own. The crowd was into it. It was a great opening round for both women.
That was a great fight! Cat looked good and Amanda made that 1st round extremely exciting. #UFC178
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) September 28, 2014
What We Learned About Amanda Nunes
She has shown flashes throughout her career, but we learned she can compete at the elite level. She landed heavy shots against the No. 1-ranked contender in the first round. She was doing a great job early.
The heavy shots took a lot out of the gas tank, but it was her shot at the upset.
Nunes will learn a lot from this fight, and she will be a dangerous opponent for anyone in the women's bantamweight division.
What We Learned About Cat Zingano
We learned that she is back, and she is healthy.
It is always interesting to see how athletes return from setbacks, and Zingano was coming off a knee injury. Sometimes, it can significantly alter how they perform and lessen their overall ability. Zingano looked to be back in peak shape.
That is good news with big news on the horizon for the Coloradan.
What's Next for Amanda Nunes
Raquel “Rocky” Pennington is someone who makes sense. Saturday's loss means Nunes shouldn't challenge anyone ranked ahead of her, and there aren't many options behind her either.
Pennington is coming off a competitive split-decision loss to Jessica Andrade, and they would make for a fun fight.
It is a thin division with few matchup options for Sean Shelby. This is one that is easy enough to make for the winter.
What's Next for Cat Zingano
Ronda Rousey.
Zingano is the No. 1-ranked contender, and she had the title shot in her hands before the injury. Coming back and getting the win is all she needed. UFC President Dana White agreed in the lead-up to UFC 178 by confirming she would get a title shot.
The UFC is targeting January and March for Rousey's next fights, so perhaps Zingano may not get the next shot, but it is apparent she will get a shot at the gold. There is a possibility the UFC will appease Rousey by giving Bethe Correia the first crack at the title.
It should be Zingano, but time will tell.
