December 30 marks the much-anticipated return of Ronda Rousey, but there's another fight on the UFC 207 card that draws major attention, and that is the heavyweight clash between former champions Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez.

The rematch between the current No. 1 and No. 2 in the UFC's official rankings should, at least in theory, ensure the winner a shot at champion Stipe Miocic. In case one of the two fighters doesn't make it to fight night, though, another former champion is ready to step in: Junior dos Santos.

"In case Werdum falls out, I would fight with Velasquez for the fourth time", dos Santos told FloCombat via Ag.Fight. "I think he would accept it, too, while, on the other hand, I don't think Werdum would accept even though he says he would." 

In October 2008, dos Santos made his Octagon debut against Werdum, knocking him out in just over a minute. Since then, the two athletes have taken different paths, with Werdum temporarily leaving the UFC and dos Santos racking up victory after victory before winning the UFC belt by knocking out Velasquez in November 2011.

Dos Santos lost the belt to Velasquez a year later and was defeated by him again in October of 2013, but he also holds wins against Mark Hunt and Miocic since his title reign ended, which he believes puts him in a good position to ask for a title rematch.

"If the UFC wants a show, it has to be us: me and Miocic", dos Santos said. "Werdum's last win against Browne was a shame, for his opponent as well--ugly fight. Velasquez lost to Werdum, which raised doubts. In his last fight against Browne... Browne seems to be going through a difficult time, so I don't know. There was a guy who was at the top, which was Ben Rothwell, and I beat him."

His next step? He doesn't know

While Miocic asked for a short break from competition after two title fights in less than four months to recover from nagging injuries and plans on returning in March, dos Santos will be ready to go at the end of the year.

Defeated by Miocic in September, Alistair Overeem, who knocked "Cigano" out in December 2015 and is currently ranked No. 3, would be the most renowned potential opponent for dos Santos. Overeem, though, has asked for a short break from competition as well after his KO loss.

"I don't know what he has negotiated," dos Santos admitted regarding Overeem's current status. "I thought (this fight) would make sense, but it seems he doesn't want to fight, at least not against me (laughs). I don't think that would push me too far ahead either, but I have lost to him, so it would make sense to try to get that back...That is the one that would make sense. But he heard my name and ran away (laughs)."

Still, even though dos Santos' immediate future might seem uncertain and no logical next step is presenting itself, the Brazilian keeps his optimism. And the message is also still the same for anyone who might eventually end up across the cage from him. 

"I'm training, and I'm happy. Whoever will stand in front of me, he will suffer," dos Santos said. "I'm feeling good, I'm training well, I have no complaints to make. And I'm going to turn this into results."

Hungrier than ever, "Cigano" has reached a crucial point in his career. Ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, as a former champion with a big name but also a few tough losses along the way, the Brazilian wants to build on his impressive victory over Ben Rothwell in April to get back to the top once again. With no obvious next step available, dos Santos is willing to fill any gaps that might open up on upcoming UFC cards.

With the historic UFC 205 scheduled for Nov. 12 in New York, dos Santos, who has healed up from shoulder surgery, said he wouldn't mind stepping in for either of the remaining two numbered events of 2016, UFC 206 in Toronto Dec. 10 and UFC 207 in Las Vegas Dec. 30.

"I'm in," the former champion said. "I'm very excited to fight. If someone gets hurt, I'll fight. I talked to my friends these days, and I told them that even if I won the lottery (...), I still wouldn't stop fighting. It's what I love to do, so I will keep fighting. Once a good fight comes up that will add to my career, let's go. I have no doubt that I will be champion again, and I think by the middle of next year it will happen."

FloCombat's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloCombat mailing list today.