With the completion of another fine event for the Ultimate Fighting Championship this past weekend, many fans were left wondering what's next.
Anderson Silva dominated former champion Rich Franklin with his Muay Thai striking skills in the middleweight division.
He proved to all MMA fans around the world that he's the best in his weight class—possibly even the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
So, what's next for Anderson Silva?
Silva has not had a challenging fight since entering the UFC. Rich Franklin has been his most worthy opponent, and he couldn't even mount any offence.
Yuhin Okami's win this weekend should leave him in line for a title shot, but Dan Henderson is the only person who can really challenge Silva right now.
Henderson lost a recent light heavyweight fight to Rampage Jackson, but still holds the Pride middleweight title.
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Look for Hendo to drop down to 185 pounds for the first time in the UFC to challenge Silva for the title in a unification bout.
Henderson has a strong wrestling background and may be able to get Silva to the ground. He's been fighting bigger guys recently, which could play to his advantage.
A matchup between Silva and Henderson might be just what the UFC needs right now. The middleweight division is the weakest in the UFC, and it needs a couple of big names to produce some excitement.
When asked who he wants to fight next, Silva responded that fighting his clone would be perfect.
A little confident?
He should be.
Anderson Silva is the best middleweight champion the UFC has ever seen, and he probably won't lose for a very long time.
What's next for the heavyweight division?
With the recent retirement of champion Randy Couture, the heavyweight division is wide open.
Couture surprised the MMA world by retiring two weeks ago, because the UFC failed to sign Fedor Emelianenko, the world's No. 1 heavyweight.
Mind you Couture is 44 years old and has nothing left to prove.
One fighter who could be in line for a shot at the vacant title is Tim Sylvia. He recently had his first fight since losing the belt, against Brandon Vera.
The fight was as lackluster as a chess match until Sylvia finally opened up late in the last round. Vera, who was thought to be the future of the division by many, appeared too small to face a man of Sylvia's stature.
Still, some regard Sylvia as a boring fighter—and it may take more than this win to get close to the title.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is rumored to be fighting Cheick Kongo on December 29th. It would make sense for the winner there to face Sylvia for the title.
With the recent addition of Brock Lesnar to the mix, the heavyweight division is starting to look a lot more interesting.
I believe Nogueira is the best heavyweight in the UFC right now and should have no problem winning a couple of fights and taking the vacant title.
UFC 77 raised some big questions, and Dana White won't fail to give us the answers. As 2007 winds down, it looks like 2008 could be the best year for the UFC to date.
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10 months ago
Interesting article Pat, but I think it's important to include that prospects such as Dennis Kang, Paulo Filho, and Matt Lindland could pose other possible threats to Anderson Silva besides just Danny Henderson. Also, it looks as if Yushin Okami will be Silva's next challenge if Hendo does not drop down.
That said, Silva will destory Okami in my opinion.
10 months ago
I agree on those fighters stepping up tp challenge Silva but as far as I know the UFC doesn't have them under contract at this point? Correct me if I'm wrong though! I was just breaking down the current middleweight division as it stands in the UFC. Yes, Silva will kill Okami.
10 months ago
No, your absolutely correct Pat. The only one UFC has access to of who I named is Paulo Filho as he fights for their daughter organization WEC. I just meant possible threats for the future. Keep up the good writing man.
10 months ago
thanks man, you're right about that!
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