Report: UFC targeting Garbrandt for Cruz's title defense

Ready or not, Cody Garbrandt is coming for UFC gold.

The 25-year-old Team Alpha Male product is being discussed for the next shot at Dominick Cruz's bantamweight title at UFC 207 on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, according to MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani, citing multiple sources.

One of the UFC's most dominant champions, Cruz's next bout has been the subject of several rumors.

A bout with Garbrandt, a rematch with TJ Dillashaw, or a superfight with one of flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson or featherweight champion Jose Aldo have all been discussed on social media. It now appears the UFC is planning to fast-track "No Love" into a headlining role.

This will be the fourth non-consecutive title defense of Cruz's UFC tenure. His first championship run was disrupted by knee injuries, that limited him to one fight from October 2011-December 2015, forcing the promotion to strip his belt.

Cruz made a triumphant return in January, winning a narrow split decision over Dillashaw to become champion once again. He then defended the belt with a dominant five-round performance against rival Urijah Faber at UFC 199.

Garbrandt is currently the No. 6-ranked contender at 135 pounds. He is undefeated in 10 professional contests and has knocked out four of his five UFC opponents. His past three bouts have all ended inside the first round.

UFC 207 is set to be headlined by Amanda Nunes' first title defense against a returning Ronda Rousey, while a heavyweight rematch between Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum was also confirmed for the card Thursday.