Cat Zingano wants fall UFC return

Bantamweight contender Cat Zingano was handed her first professional loss by Ronda Rousey last February at UFC 184 in stunningly quick fashion. The dynamic and resilient fighter is hoping for a return to action this fall, according to her manager Ed Soares.

UFC Tonight reported the news Wednesday night on FOX Sports 1. According to the report, the UFC wanted to book Zingano against fellow former world title challenger Sara McMann for July 15 but "Alpha" Cat wasn't healthy enough to make that date.

Soares says that Zingano has some bumps and bruises yet to heal, and that an autumn fight could work well for the fighter. Zingano may already have an opponent in waiting.

TUF winner Julianna Pena's head coach Rick Little tells UFC Tonight that they want the fight with Cat. "That's the best fight for her career path," he said.

Pena is coming off an impressive first-round TKO win over Milana Dudieva in April. Afterwards, the "Venezuelan Vixen" said she was ready for the best in the world.

As for McMann, she evidently does still want to fight July 15. Bad enough, in fact, that she is reportedly down to fight "anyone."

The former Olympic wrestling medalist is coming off a tough decision loss to Miesha Tate that saw McMann jump out early, and break an orbital bone of Tate's, but ultimately lose a majority decision.