White: Cat Zingano next for UFC 168’s Rousey-Tate winner

Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s UFC 168 pay-per-view co-main event between Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate, the winner will next defend the belt against Cat Zingano.

According to UFC President Dana White, Zingano is still the top contender in the women’s bantamweight division – despite the fact she has been sidelined with a knee injury since winning her octagon debut in April.

“She’s doing good, and hopefully she stays healthy and we can get her back by summer,” White told MMAjunkie on Thursday. “She’s the No. 1 (contender). She’s numero uno.”

While this weekend’s grudge match between Rousey (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and Tate (13-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) has stolen headlines, few remember it was actually Zingano (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) who was scheduled to challenge “Rowdy.” Zingano stopped Tate with a third-round knockout earlier this year to solidify her role as an opposing coach to Rousey on “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” as well as a title shot at Saturday’s year-end event at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

After withdrawing from her coaching gig on “TUF” to undergo a reconstructive knee surgery, Zingano is still not completely healthy, and a timetable for a return hasn’t been finalized.

The women’s bantamweight division has been on hold with Rousey’s lack of activity in 2013, but now that the top of the division is flowing, Zingano’s shot is just around the corner.

And whether it’s the overdue fight with Rousey or a rematch with Tate, Zingano will be fighting for UFC gold in her return to competition.

“As long as she’s healthy, she’ll be ready to go,” White said.

For more on UFC 168, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.