Middleweight (185 lbs.)
Current title holder: Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva
Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is possibly the best prizefighter of the last 20 years. He is undefeated in the UFC, holds a slue of records, and has defeated former champions from different weight classes. Silva recently defeated his most challenging and vocal adversary, Chael Sonnen, for the second time and single-handedly cleaned out the division in the process. The champion seems to have lost interest in the competition at middleweight and is now looking to make a super fight with Georges St-Pierre if the welterweight champion can make a successful return against Carlos Condit at UFC 154 in November.
Here is where the story gets a little odd. Anderson Silva has decided to save UFC 153 in Brazil on October 13 by taking a short notice headliner fight at light heavyweight against the semi-retired and underachieving Stephan Bonnar. The situation has disaster written all over it. If Anderson wins, all is fine. If he looses though, it could put his legacy into question and place a future big money fight with either St-Pierre or Jon Jones in jeopardy of never being made. If Silva is able to avoid a disastrous mistake and beat Bonnar, as most expect he will, then he will either need to return to middleweight and defend his crown or seek out the super fights he is entitled to.
So who is next in line at middleweight? Micheal ‘The Count’ Bisping has been knocking at the door for a long time and his win over Brian Stann at UFC 152 may have finally been the ticket that lets him into the octagon with Silva. Another possibility is Chris Weidman who has been vocal about a title shot after putting in a memorable performance against Mark Munoz.
Before we can determine who will square off with ‘The Spider,’ Silva will need to escape unscathed and uninjured from his bout with Stephan Bonnar at UFC 153 on October 13.
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