Former Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champ Sarah Kaufman (16-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) could soon have a new opponent and a new date for her UFC debut.

After being forced out of next week’s UFC Fight Night 27 event when opponent Sara McMann had to withdraw and a replacement opponent could not be secured, Kaufman is now being considered for a bout with UFC newcomer Jessica Eye (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC 166.

Eye’s contract and the potential matchup were first reported on Tuesday’s new edition of “UFC Tonight.” MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) subsequently confirmed with sources close to the fighters that UFC 166 could serve as host.

That event, which features a headliner between UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and former title holder Junior dos Santos, takes place Oct. 19 at Houston’s Toyota Center. The evening’s main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims that air on FOX Sports 1 and stream on Facebook.

The 27-year-old “Evil” Eye is an Ohio native who is best known for a December 12 win over Zoila Frausto Gurgel. In a 125-pound contest, Eye choked out the Bellator 115-pound women’s title holder with a standing arm-triangle choke in just 58 seconds. When Bellator MMA officials elected to move away from promoting women’s contests, Eye was stuck on the sidelines and never again fought for the promotion. She was recently released from her contract and now becomes the latest addition to the UFC roster.

Eye began her professional career in 2010 and currently boasts a seven-fight win streak.

For the latest on UFC 166, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Jessica Eye)

Robert Sargent of MMARising.com contributed to this report.