Unbeaten UFC women’s bantamweight contender Cat Zingano will be shelved for just a while longer than expected, but still hopes to return in the first half of 2014.

Zingano (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on Thursday underwent a type of stem-cell surgery for an injury on her left knee. Zingano has been out since the summer after suffering an injury to her right knee that required surgery.

But that injury indirectly led to issues with her other knee, Zingano on Wednesday told “UFC Tonight” on FOX Sports 1.

“I’ve had a battle with my knees for a while,” Zingano said. “My left knee has taken some wear and tear because I’ve been favoring my other knee. I’m going to do a procedure with stem cells tomorrow to try to fix it.”

That procedure seems to have gone to plan. Zingano was tweeting regularly on Thursday before and after her operation.

But the new time table for her return is March or April, she said.

Earlier this year, Zingano underwent an ACL replacement surgery. The injury was costly, pulling her out of a planned coaching slot opposite Ronda Rousey on Season 18 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” as well as a December shot at the UFC women’s bantamweight belt. Miesha Tate, whom Zingano defeated in April, stepped in to fill Zingano’s slot both on the series and in the championship bout.

Watching Tate coaching on the show has been difficult for Zingano, she said on the show.

“It’s tough. I realize I earned that spot,” she said. “I beat Miesha for it. It’s a little hard to watch.”

And because she has that win over Tate, that’s all the more reason why she hopes to see Rousey retain her title in December. Then, in theory, she’ll be next in line to fight the current champ once both her knees have healed in full.

She’s also not worried about Rousey’s signature armbar, should it come down to that.

“I’m not chasing Miesha becase I’ve already beat her,” Zingano said. “I’m going after Ronda and starting back where I left off. I don’t spend any time training on armbars. I think Ronda has her armbar in her back pocket and relies on it. I’m not training for anyone I fight. I train for me.”

The Colorado-based Zingano has been fighting professionally since 2008 and is undefeated through the first eight appearances of her career. Seven of those wins have come by stoppage.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Cat Zingano)