UFC President Dana White recently announced that Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino would be competing against an opponent to be named at UFC 214.
Cat Zingano has been campaigning to fight Cybrog, but that won’t be happening at UFC 214 and Zingano explains why.
“Both the UFC and (her manager) Ed (Soares) want me to handle some health and personal things before I go into a fight like this,” Zingano said to MMA Fighting. “As always, I think I can beat her right now, but if there is a more optimal level I can perform at, we all want me to reach that level. I think we all know I am the only one that can potentially take this chick any day, any time, when I'm 100 percent healthy and happy. But don't worry, it's coming, and I want it. The cool part is the UFC is supporting me in making the best decision and getting me to my highest level of health through the new treatment facility and staff there. I feel grateful for them looking out. I feel like they may be trying to make some changes, and I'm excited to be a part of the growth and evolution of fighter consideration.”
Zingano hasn’t competed since dropping a decision to Juliana Pena at UFC 200.
The fighter also wants people to know that she isn’t scared or Cyborg, but does have a lot of respect for her.
“If she had to do steroids to get to this level, then she’s not as good as me,” Zingano said. “I'm going to put her through hell, she's never had to work as hard as me. I'm not scared of her. She had to use substances to get through the things I've gotten through naturally. I've got respect for her, but when people say it can't be done, all I say is watch me do it and stay off my (band)wagon once I do. I like Cris and I respect her, but if it’s either her or me out there, I'll be damned if the food is not going on my table.”
Cyborg has stated in the past that she isn’t interested I fighting Zingano, but that could change down the line.
