The UFC 178 card scheduled for Las Vegas, Nevada has added a high profile women’s match to the card as Cat Zingano returns to face fast rising Amanda Nunez.
For Nunez, she has gone 2-0 in her UFC matches, notching two first round TKOs. Nunez has fought on a solid level prior to the UFC as well, since stops at Invicta and Strikeforce have given her an established foothold on the MMA scene, as they built nicely on her early career in Brazil, where she owns a victory over veteran MMA fighter Vanessa Porto. You have to think that after a successful start in the UFC, that Nunes will be as motivated as ever and come in the best we have ever seen her.
Zingano’s return adds talent and marketability to the women’s ranks. Zingano is 1-0 in the UFC, having won her match against Meisha Tate in April of 2013. She was on her way to being a star, as she was scheduled to face Ronda Rousey for the UFC Bantamweight title, but she was injured and had to pull out of the fight.
Should Zingano come in an win, she may get instant consideration for a shot at Rousey. The two were scheduled to meet previously, and Zingano is an impressive athlete who is 8-0 in MMA overall. That reputation will give her the edge in this fight when the sport books start to post a line.
But Nunez should not be counted out. She can finish fights with strikes, and she will not hesitate to take the fight right at Zingano if Zingano seems hesitant. This very well may be Nunez best chance at winning the fight, because Zingano will have to fight the effects of having the knee constantly asked about and constantly on her mind. Will it respond when the gate closes?
The UFC really needs Zingano to come through and win this fight. Sometimes it is that type of motivation that can drive a fighter. Nunez has nothing really to lose while for Zingano, that knowledge may be additional pressure she does not need. How Zingano handles that pressure will have a ripple effect on the rest of the weight class, which is still looking for one fighter to establish herself as a number one contender.
