Report: UFC in serious talks to book Velasquez-Ngannou for Phoenix card

Cain Velasquez's long absence from the Octagon could be coming to an end.

The UFC is in "serious talks" to book a bout between the former heavyweight champion and Francis Ngannou as the main event of the Feb. 17 card in Phoenix, according to ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

Velasquez, considered by many to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, hasn't fought since defeating Travis Browne at UFC 200 in July 2016.

The American was set for a rematch with Fabricio Werdum later that year, but was deemed unfit to fight due to bone spurs on his back.

Velasquez teased his MMA return in a tweet Wednesday.

Ngannou is coming off a bounce-back win versus Curtis Blaydes in November after dropping back-to-back fights, including a title shot against then-champion Stipe Miocic.