UFC 184 Results: 3 Fights for Cat Zingano to Take Next

It’s fair to say that Cat Zingano didn’t put on the performance of her career at UFC 184. Hurling herself at Ronda Rousey from the opening bell was a novel strategy, but it turned out to be as effective as all the rest—that is to say, not remotely effective.

Within seconds, the challenger was tied up in the kind of knot that would have left a sailor confused.

Prior to the fight, I had the bizarre notion that Zingano possessed the kind of stubborn personality that would refuse to submit to joint locks. This notion was soon dispelled, of course. And while one couldn’t help but be in awe of Rousey, my eyes were drawn to the crestfallen challenger who had overcome so much adversity to get that opportunity.

Understandably, she was inconsolable. Being submitted in all of 14 seconds doesn’t exactly suggest potential for a rematch. However, the good news for Zingano is that the UFC is starved for options, which means the path to a rematch is much shorter than it could have been.

So let’s take a look at where Zingano’s path to a rematch might begin.

Sara McMann

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Like Zingano, Sara McMann is coming off a recent loss, so the timing for this bout makes sense.

Stylistically, this is an intriguing matchup. McMann is an outstanding wrestler, but Zingano’s superior ground game may dissuade the former Olympian from taking the fight to the floor. We may get to see Zingano in a prolonged striking match for the first time in her UFC career.

Given the scarcity of available options for the UFC, whoever wins will be right back in the title picture.

Alexis Davis

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If anyone can sympathize with Zingano, it’s Alexis Davis. Given that she lost to Rousey in 16 seconds, a trigger warning prior to UFC 184 would have come in handy for the 30-year-old.

A fight with Davis would make for a thrilling ground battle. The idea that ground fighting could be compelling may seem like a bizarre notion to some, but both women are extremely active—particularly Zingano—when the fight hits the floor.

Davis has been out of action since July and undoubtedly wants to get back in the cage as soon as possible, while Zingano has already made it clear she wants to fight at the first available opportunity. Match them up and kill two birds with one stone, I say.

Sarah Kaufman

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Sarah Kaufman has become something of a forgotten woman in the division. Despite boasting one of the best records in the weight class, we tend to hear little about the unassuming Canadian.

This is perhaps a result of Kaufman’s reserved nature, but she remains one of the best in the world. The 29-year-old is an excellent striker and would provide a nice contrast to the hectic, hyperaggressive style of Zingano.

A win for either woman would be huge but particularly for Kaufman. She hasn’t received the credit she deserves as of late. Plus, her 56-second loss to Rousey isn’t looking too bad these days, is it?