The focus at UFC 200 on July 9 may be on the women's bantamweight championship fight between Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes, but another bout at 135 pounds is worth keeping an eye on as well.
The featured prelim of the night features No. 4-ranked* Cat Zingano (9-1) vs. No. 8-ranked Julianna Pena (7-2).
Zingano has not been in action since her 14-second defeat at the hands of then-champion Ronda Rousey in February 2015. The former title challenger would have another strong claim at a title shot with a victory and Tate retaining her gold.
Pena, the season 18 winner of The Ultimate Fighter, has developed from prospect to contender. She is 3-0 inside the Octagon, and a win over Zingano would also give her a claim at a title shot. Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed with Rousey's return looming over the division.
Zingano and Pena will do their best to state their case as the next challenger in a matchup between two of the most aggressive fighters in the division. Who will walk away victorious at UFC 200 in Las Vegas? Let's break down the action for the featured preliminary contest of the UFC's biggest card to date.
*Bleacher Report MMA's June rankings
