San Diego, CA — Cat Zingano has had her eye on Cris Cyborg for a good long time now.
“I felt like it was a matter of time, one way or the other,” Zingano, 41, explained during this week’s Bellator 300 press conference, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press.
“Alpha” Cat (14-4) will throw down with Cyborg for the Bellator women’s featherweight title in San Diego on Saturday, but she’s prepared for the fight before. That includes during her UFC run, prior to Zingano’s arrival to Bellator in 2020. In years past, both fighters called the UFC home.
“I think there’s been three different times where we were definitely talking about it,” noted Zingano. “Even my fight against Megan Anderson [at UFC 232] was in case Amanda Nunes and Cyborg didn’t work out, so I’d be ready to jump in that night. It’s been a few different training camps getting ready for this one, and I just feel like it was a matter of time.”
Getting the chance to compete in a championship bout on a major card — quite possibly the biggest in Bellator history — is important for Zingano, who despite her veteran status has struggled to stay active and gone through more than her share of trials and tribulations.
“It’s great to have worked myself back up to this place again,” stated Zingano. “I’ve always believed in myself, definitely put in the work and the time, so it’s natural that it’s here.”
In 2015, Zingano went up against Ronda Rousey, who at the time was entrenched as the UFC women’s bantamweight champion. How different is the Zingano of 2023 compared to the one who was finished by Rousey in just 14 seconds?
“My life was completely different. It’s really— a lot more survival going on at that time. Time’s really the biggest benefit to things. Finding my rhythm again, just figuring out coaches, figuring out the new normal for me, and getting it dialed in.”
Asked what makes her a threat to the formidable Cyborg, who has held gold in Strikeforce, Invicta FC, the UFC, and Bellator, Zingano pointed to all the qualities she brings to the table.
“Everything,” said Zingano. “Skill, all the different disciplines. The years of experience. My will, my grit. My speed. Everything.”
Watch the full Bellator 300 press conference with Cat Zingano and the rest of Saturday’s main card above.
