Stipe Miocic versus Junior dos Santos being discussed for December

It's been nearly a year since the UFC's former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos fought, but it looks like there could be a time and place for his return.

As reported on UFC Tonight, a fight between Dos Santos and fast-rising heavyweight Stipe Miocic is under consideration for December. Though nothing is set in stone yet, Ariel Helwani reported that a source close to Miocic has informed him that a showdown at the UFC on FOX 13 card is "more than likely." That event takes place on Dec. 13 at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

A source within Dos Santos' camp reportedly said "Cigano" is agreeable to the date, but that he would prefer it be a three-round fight, rather than the five designated for main events.

Dos Santos (16-3) has been out of action since his UFC 166 title bid came up short against current champion Cain Velasquez. He was scheduled to fight Stipe Miocic in May -- originally at UFC 173 on May 24, which was the bumped to May 31 for the TUF Brazil 3 Finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil -- but he had to pull out with a hand injury. He is currently ranked No. 2 on the media-driven UFC rankings.

The 32-year old Miocic is 6-1 in the UFC (12-1 overall), and is riding a three-fight win streak, and is currently No. 4 in the heavyweight rankings. His last victory came at the TUF Brazil 3 Finale against Dos Santos' replacement, Fabio Maldonado. Before then he defeated Gabriel Gonzaga and Roy Nelson. Miocic's only career loss came in 2012 against Stefan Struve in Nottingham, England.