White: 'It's possible' that Cruz defends title at UFC 207

Almost every UFC champion has a title defense lined up, and Dominick Cruz might be booked next.

The reigning bantamweight king has fought in two 2016 championship bouts, narrowly outpointing TJ Dillashaw in January to reclaim the belt he was forced to vacate five years ago, and then defending it with a lopsided decision win over Urijah Faber in June.

There have been few updates on who Cruz will face next, but UFC president Dana White appeared on UFC Tonight on Wednesday to clear up the matter. When asked if Cruz could land in the co-main event of the year-ending UFC 207 card headlined by women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes and Ronda Rousey, White entertained the notion.

"It's possible. It's possible," White said, according to Anton Tabuena of Bloody Elbow.

Of Cruz's four UFC title bouts, only two have been on pay-per-view. His status as one of MMA's most indomitable fighters has rarely translated into impressive box office receipts, but White would like to see Cruz rewarded for his perseverance and continued excellence by sharing in the PPV profits with Rousey and Nunes.

"I don't think if I have ever met anybody in my life that has worse luck than this kid. In his entire career, it was just one thing after another, injury," White said. "He (was supposed to be) getting a big fight, coming off 'Ultimate Fighter.' He was supposed to be the co-main event on Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen 2, which he gets a piece of the PPV. ...

"And (now) some really really good news is coming Dominick Cruz's way. So knock on wood and hope this kid stays healthy because some really good news is coming his way."

The most likely candidates to face Cruz in his next title defense are Dillashaw or No. 6-ranked contender Cody Garbrandt. Both have campaigned in interviews and social media for a shot at Cruz. However, Cruz has also expressed interest superfights with flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and featherweight champion Conor McGregor.