Could Gilbert Yvel fight Cain Velasquez at UFC 104?

The news that Shane Carwin is off of the UFC 104 card and will fight Brock Lesnar now leaves us pondering the fate of Carwin's would be opponent, Cain Velasquez.

Will Cain remain on the UFC 104 card or will he have to wait on the sidelines?

MMA Fanhouse reported that Velasquez will stay on the card though Fighter's Only reported him as next in line for a title shot. Some would interpret this as Cain being off the 104 card. 

If Cain is to remain on the UFC 104 card then it remains to be seen who his next opponent will be. One possible fighter is Gilbert Yvel. 

Recently, MMA Weekly mentioned that Yvel's contract from Affliction transferred to the UFC since the promotion died and entered into a partnership with the UFC. Neither Zuffa nor Yvel have made an official comment regarding his current contractual status.  

Now the UFC needs a heavyweight opponent for Velasquez and Yvel could fit the bill. 

With the possibility Gilbert being a UFC employee that further restricts the available talent pool for Strikeforce who needs heavyweights and light heavyweights to fill their divisions. Yvel is listed at 225lbs. and could potentially drop to 205lbs. 

If both reports are correct then Yvel could be an ideal opponent that should challenge Velasquez without Cain being in danger os losing the bout and his status as future number one contender. 

[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 08/20/09 3:42 PM EDT ]

Ben Rothwell has agreed to terms to fight Cain velasquez at UFC 104.