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Following Quick UFC 184 Submission Win, Ronda Rousey Offered Cat Zingano a Rematch

Leading up to UFC 184: Rousey vs. Zingano on Saturday, women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey showed a level respect for her opponent, Cat Zingano, that she hadn’t afforded previous challengers.

During the weigh-in face off on Friday, Rousey shook Zingano’s hand before engaging in an intense staredown. It was a small gesture, but something Rousey doesn’t typically do.

After becoming the latest victim of a Ronda Rousey armbar finish, Zingano sat on her knees on the Octagon canvas inside the Staples Center in disbelief and disappointment. In just 14 seconds, it was all over.

In that moment, as Zingano sat alone reflecting on all the hard work she’d put in and the adversity she’d overcome to be there, Rousey kneeled before her to console the 32-year-old mom.

It was an incredible display of sportsmanship and respect. Rousey later told the media what she said to the devastated Zingano during the event’s post-fight press conference.

“I said that we should do this again. I think she definitely deserves another shot, and sometimes fights just go down like that,” revealed Rousey.

“I’m lucky to have a lot of experience in Judo, and there were times that I walked out and just got dumped on my head right away. I wasn’t myself that day. It doesn’t mean that I didn’t deserve to be in that fight, or that I couldn’t beat the other person. It was just that for some reason I just wasn’t there,” added the champion. “I understand that feeling. I know what Cat is capable of, and I’d definitely like to see more of what she’s capable of.”

Zingano asked UFC president Dana White what she needed to do to get back to a title bout during the post-fight press conference. She wants to face opponents that are going lead to a rematch with Rousey.

“I just want to know what I need to do to get in there again. I mean, who is No. 2? I’ll fight them. I’ll get back. How do I get this again,” she asked the UFC president.

“I need fights. Let’s get it done. Whenever you’re ready,” he replied.

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