Stipe Miocic wants time off after KO win, UFC considering Werdum vs Velasquez II

After a busy 2016 that saw heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic capture the title as well as defend it, the Cleveland native is calling for some much needed time off.

Miocic knockout out Alistair Overeem in the first round of their UFC 203 headliner on Saturday night, and many wondered who the heavyweight champ would take on next. According to Miocic himself, fans will have to wait until next year before we see him back in action.

In the wake of Miocic’s absence, Talk MMA is reporting that the UFC is discussing a rematch between Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez for their annual event on New Years Eve or in early 2017.

With Stipe Miocic wanting time off, the UFC is now discussing Fabricio Werdum vs Cain Velasquez 2 for NYE or early 2017

— #Dizz (@TalkMMA) September 14, 2016

Both Werdum and Velasquez are former heavyweight champs themselves who are eager to get back in line for the belt. Werdum most recently defeated Travis Browne again at UFC 203 on the same night that Miocic defended his belt against Overeem in a fight fraught with controversy.

Velasquez, who lost the belt to Werdum at UFC 188, most recently beat Browne as well, but by a first round mauling as opposed to a decision loss like Browne suffered at the hands of Werdum.

The heavyweight belt has been tossed around like a hot potato the last few years, bouncing between the waists of Cain Velasquez, Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum and now Miocic.

Are you interested in a rematch between Werdum and Velasquez? If the fight gets booked, do you think Cain will avenge his loss, or will Fabricio defeat him again? Sound off in the comments section, PENN Nation!