Daniel Cormier vs. Rafael Cavalcante in talks for July; Demian Maia eyeing May return

While UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones busies himself with an already hectic summer schedule, which includes an upcoming title defense against Glover Teixeira and a potential rematch against Alexander Gustafsson, it appears as…

While UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones busies himself with an already hectic summer schedule, which includes an upcoming title defense against Glover Teixeira and a potential rematch against Alexander Gustafsson, it appears as if the division’s other top contender, undefeated Olympian Daniel Cormier, will fight in the interim.

A bout between Cormier (14-0) and former Strikeforce champion Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (12-4, 1 NC) is currently in discussion for UFC 175, according to a report from Ariel Helwani on UFC Tonight, although as of this writing, nothing is final.

Cormier, a former top-3 contender at heavyweight, made his recent light heavyweight debut at UFC 170, handily defeating Patrick Cummins via first-round TKO on less than two weeks’ notice.

Cavalcante meanwhile, is 1-1 since transitioning into the UFC after the collapse of Strikeforce. The 33-year-old Brazilian first lost to Thiago Silva in a wild one-round affair, before rebounding to dismantle Igor Pokrajac at UFC Fight Night 32.

Additionally, according to the UFC Tonight report, a potential bout between No. 8 ranked welterweight Demian Maia and Mike Pierce is under consideration for May 31’s ‘Fight Night’ event at the Ginásio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which is headlined by a grudge match between TUF Brazil 3 coaches Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva.

After racking up three straight wins at welterweight, Maia (18-6) has dropped consecutive decisions against Jake Shields and Rory MacDonald.

Likewise, Pierce (17-6) saw his own four-fight win streak snapped in his most recent outing, a controversial 31-second submission loss to Rousimar Palhares which led to Palhares’ dismissal from the UFC.