"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey will face the stiffest test of her mixed-martial-arts career on Saturday night at UFC 184. Cat Zingano is the strongest, most diverse challenger in the women's bantamweight division.
Rousey has run through every opponent en route to a 10-0 record and her current standing as the UFC women's bantamweight champion. While each of Rousey's opponents has brought her own weapons into the Octagon, none have been as formidable as Zingano figures to be.
The challenger is 9-0 and seemingly ready to take the fight to Rousey. In an interview with Fox Sports, Rousey admits that Zingano is the toughest opponent she's faced:
Zingano is strong, skilled and mentally tough. She won't be intimidated by the status of the champion—but she still must beware of the skills that have taken down Rousey's previous opponents.
Rousey's Biggest Weapon
While her striking has come a long way, Rousey's bread and butter is still her ground game. Some of her opponents, like Sara McMann, have perhaps been stronger, but Rousey has been able to land just enough in stand-up exchanges to set up her efficient and devastating submission attack.
While Zingano has an advanced ground game, she is not as skilled as Rousey on the mat. If the challenger hopes to pull off the upset, she'd be smart to avoid engaging Rousey in a grappling match.
Zingano's Biggest Weapon
It's one thing to have a bomb—and another for the weapon find to its target.
McMann was strong, but Zingano's strength is augmented by her dexterity. Her ability to move her feet fluidly makes Zingano a more effective striker—and a more imposing opponent overall.
Rousey simply can't afford to be caught square by a shot from the challenger.
Rousey's Biggest Weakness
It may be tough to locate one, but Rousey isn't without flaws. She's still not too difficult to hit. Opponents such as McMann and Miesha Tate have been able to connect with Rousey's face, but none have been able to buzz her.
Usually, Rousey doesn't like to engage in any prolonged exchanges. She goes straight for the takedown if things get too dangerous. It's a smart strategy, considering how strong she is on the ground. Zingano has to do her damage before the clinch.
Zingano's Biggest Weakness
Cat has gotten off to fast starts in many of her professional fights. She had to shake off a rough first round to beat Amanda Nunes. Zingano also had some issues with Tate before stopping her in the third round of their 2013 bout.
Zingano can ill afford to start slow against Rousey. The champion will be aggressive from the beginning of the bout.
If it takes Zingano half of a round to meet Rousey's aggression, the champ will retain her title.
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