Report: Cruz-Munhoz in works for UFC 269

A bantamweight bout between Dominick Cruz and Pedro Munhoz is in the works for UFC 269 on Dec. 11, according to MMA Fighting's Damon Martin and Guilherme Cruz.

Cruz, 36, last fought at UFC 259 in March when he defeated Casey Kenney via split decision. It was only his second fight following a three-year layoff because of injuries - the former champion lost his first fight back to Henry Cejudo.

Munhoz, 35, last fought at UFC 265 in August, falling to Jose Aldo via unanimous decision. The Brazilian has faltered in three of his last four bouts, beating Jimmie Rivera but losing to Aljamain Sterling, Frankie Edgar, and Aldo.

Cruz is the 11th-ranked contender in the 135-pound division, while Munhoz is No. 9. Cruz has been vocal about wanting his next opponent to be a contender ahead of him in the rankings.

UFC 269 will also feature women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes taking on Julianna Pena and men's flyweight champion Brandon Moreno facing Deiveson Figueiredo. The promotion hasn't announced a location for its final pay-per-view event of 2021.