Top ranked UFC bantamweight challenger Cat Zingano has been out of action for several months due to an injury to her right knee. That injury is on the mend, but it has led to issues with her left knee, for which Zingano will have a procedure on Thursday.

I am about three and a half months out (from the original injury), Zingano said on UFC Tonight. I went to my doctor on Monday. He said that Im right on track, so I should be coming back in another four months, something like March or April.

That is, of course, as long as the issues with her left knee can be rectified within that same time frame, which her doctor believes is the case.

Dr. Ronald S. Kvitne of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles on Monday told Zingano that if there was a tear in her left meniscus, as expected, that if they act quickly, it shouldnt extend the rehab time of her original injury.

Dr. Kvitne was initially thinking a surgery would be necessary, but Zingano on Wednesday indicated that Thursdays procedure would instead involve a stem cell treatment.

My left knee, because I think for the compensation for taking care of my right knee, has been taking a little bit more wear and tear than it was used to, said Zingano.

So Im going to have a procedure done with stem cells (on Thursday) that is going to be in place of having clean-up surgery instead.

If Zinganos rehabilitation remains on schedule, she would be able to return to the Octagon and fight sometime around April of 2014.

We think three months from now shed be back in the ring training, sparring, said Kvitne. So fighting in about four to six months from now.

Zingano also told UFC Tonight that she should expect to fight the winner of the Dec. 28 rematch between current UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Miesha Tate upon her return.

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UFC Contender Cat Zingano Will Undergo Stem Cell Procedure for Left Knee