UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey’s next title defence will come a bit later than originally planned. The UFC’s top star will now face off against undefeated contender “Alpha” Cat Zingano at UFC 184: “Weidman vs Belfort” on February 28, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

Rousey and Zingano were initially set to meet at UFC 182 in early January, but UFC officials announced this week that the bout has been pushed back close to two months. Zingano re-earned her top contender status this past month when she stopped Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes at UFC 178.

Rousey (10-0-0) has torn through the competition on the road to UFC title gold and stardom during her pro career and the skilled judoka currently stands as MMA’s top female fighter. After submitting rival Miesha “Cupcake” Tate for a second time this past December, Rousey made two successful UFC title defences this year. She stopped fellow Olympic medallist Sara McMann in 66 seconds in February, then scored a 16-second knockout win over grappling ace Alexis “Ally-Gator” Davis at UFC 175.

Zingano (9-0-0) has patiently waited for her shot at Rousey’s UFC title, which she first earned by stopping Tate back in April 2013. A serious knee injury, coupled with the tragic death of her husband, sidelined Zingano for more than a year and the Colorado native did not return to the Octagon until this past month. At UFC 178, Zingano rallied back after a rough start against Nunes and overwhelmed the Brazilian with ground and pound in round three of a highly entertaining back-and-forth fight.

UFC 184: “Weidman vs Belfort” takes place on February 28, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The event is headlined by a UFC Middleweight Championship bout between “All-American” Chris Weidman and Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort.

(Photo Credit: UFC)