Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell targeted to co-headline UFC Fight Night in Dublin

The UFC heavyweight picture just got a little bit clearer today. With Andrei Arlovski booked against Frank Mir, and with Junior dos Santos likely facing Alistair Overeem next, the only likely opponents for Fabricio Werdum's first title defense would be Stipe Miocic or a rematch with Cain Velasquez. MMA Junkie's Steven Marrocco reports that Miocic will not get the next title shot, as he's instead set to fight Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier in Dublin, Ireland on October 24th. UFC officials haven't formally announced the bout yet, but it is expected to serve as the co-main event.

Miocic (13-2) was almost taken to the limit by systematically destroyed en route to a far too late 5th round TKO stoppage win over Mark Hunt. That win came on the heels of a close loss to Junior dos Santos in December, which earned him FOTN honors. The 32-year-old has been the main event in his last 3 bouts, although this fight against Rothwell would break the streak.

Rothwell (35-9) has won his last 3 -- noting that his win over Brandon Vera wasn't overturned to a no-contest after he'd tested positive for elevated testosterone levels -- including a knockout win over Alistair Overeem and a total strangulation of Matt Mitrione at UFC Fight Night in June. "Big" Ben has been cutting promos for himself, such as this one, warning the rest of the division that he's on the ascension.

Jeremy Botter of Bleacher Report reported that Werdum vs. Velasquez 2 is likely going to co-headline UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor on December 12th. Dana White also noted at the UFC 190 press conference that Werdum vs. Cain would likely happen in January/February/March. (H/T Mike Bohn)

UFC Fight Night in Dublin, Ireland will stream live on Fight Pass, with Dustin Poirier and Joseph Duffy competing in the five-round lightweight main event.