Caption: Who is No. 1 contender to this man's title?
A little clarity is always good. But sometimes a little chaos can be more fun. Recently, we have gotten some clarity in several of the UFC’s divisions, while others remain anything but. I for one am frustrated with not knowing who the No.1 contender to Anderson Silva’s MW belt is!
Hell, we don’t even know if Anderson Silva is going to retire after five fights or not—let alone will he stay in the division much longer. While we have no control over that we can determine our very own People’s Champ of the MW division.
In this scenario, the People’s champ will not just be our ceremonial favorite—He will also be our No. 1 contender. While the UFC may not go along with the Brass on B/R’s MMA section we won’t let that deter us.
The People’s champ will be decided by the article’s poll—So like they say in politics: get out and vote.
Now: A brief recap of the fighters considered potential No. 1 contenders (in no particular order).
Thales Leites: Leites most impressive win is his most controversial—a split decision win over Nate Marquardt. A win is a win though and his submissions look dangerous. His most only loss—getting out struck by Martin Kampmann, that man that Marquardt recently destroyed.
The loss to Kampmann was his first fight in the UFC. Since then, Leites has put together a five fight win streak with his recent victory over Drew McFedries. His record in the octagon is 5-1.
Demian Maia: No one looks better then Maia right now. He has run his record to 4-0 in the octagon and has done so in style He’s garnered “submission of the night” honors three times (in a row), and almost won a fourth at UFC 91.
After his last win he called out another potential No.1 contender in Michael Bisping. Another impressive win could have Maia looking at a title shot.
Yushin Okami: A lot of people are intrigued by the idea of Okami fighting Anderson Silva. Yushin was the last man to be Anderson—although it was a DQ win due to an illegal kick by Silva. Anderson was easily winning the fight.
Since joining the UFC, Okami has gone 6-1. While he holds wins over Mike Swick, Jason McDonald, and Evan Tanner his one decision loss to Rich Franklin may be the most significant.
Nate Marquardt: Marquardt looked vicious in his last win over Martiin Kampmann. He forced Kampmann to drop down to welterweight (like Okami did to Swick). His record in the octagon stands at 6-2. His last loss was a controversial split decision loss to Thales Leites.
While a rematch between those two might make sense, Leites said he has no interest in fighting Marquardt again. His other loss was to the champ, Anderson Silva. So does Marquardt deserve the rematch?
Michael Bisping: While you may dispute how good Bisping actually his you cant dispute his record. Bisping held his own at LHW and since moving to MW, Michael looks better and better. In his win over Chris Leben he looked like a complete MMA fighter.
He will be the coach on TUF 9 and, depending on the rumors, could be fighting Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, or Demian Maia next. A win over any of them would put him in a title fight.
Patrick Cote: I know Cote will be sidelined for the next six to nine months. But he was the last man to fight Silva and, despite all the bizarreness, looked to be holding his own. Will Cote be able to fully heal and get back into the MW mix: only time will tell?
Jason McDonald: I am not putting Jason on here for his record, or because he is a legitimate No. 1 contender. But Jason has a great attitude and is willing to fight anyone at anytime. He is my “Rudy” of the MW division and he might be your People’s Champ.
Dan Henderson: Henderson looked good in his fight against Silva; that is until Anderson sunk in the rear naked choke on him. He took care of business against Rousimar Palhares and a win over Rich Franklin could seal his rematch with Silva. A loss would likely send him back to the MW division, and back to the drawing board.
Rich Franklin: Why am I putting Franklin on this list? Because until he loses to someone not named Anderson Silva he deserves the recognition. A win over Dan Henderson may solidify his move to the light heavyweight division.
However, if Silva decides to make the LHW division his home (and vacate the MW belt), look for Rich Franklin to go back to the MW and finish out his career there. Can anyone beside Silva beat Franklin at 185?
So there are my nine potential No.1 contenders. Hopefully I didn’t miss anyone. Please make sure to cast your vote and leave your comments on how you picked your MW People’s Champ.
This article is an extension of my “middleweight musings” article which I wrote over at Inside Fights. For anyone that has checked out the site, I appreciate the support.
Brian Oswald is a new staff writer for Inside Fights. For all the latest in MMA news please check out the site.
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about 1 month ago
I really enjoyed this and your other recent articles, very, very much, but feel you are over looking Georges St, Pierre whom was promised a fight with Anderson should he win his fight with BJ Penn. In Georges' five year plan he stated he wants to go up to middle weight. If he beats Silva , wouldn't he become his succesor?
from about 1 month ago
I am looking forward to GSP beating BJ Penn. From there I think he will fight Thiago Alves. I heard that UFC 100 is July 4th and that seems like a great time for a GSP vs. Silva fight!
I am not sure what Anderson is going to do with the LHW division though. There is talk that he may move their permanently but those are just rumors until it actually happens. I for one would like Silva to leave behind the MW division.
But if GSP were to beat Silva, he would of course be his successor. He may very well end up MW champion without every fighting Anderson Silva. Lets hope the superfight actually happens. I think its the fight people want to see the most right now. I am just not sure if the timing will work out for a fight.
from about 1 month ago
Dana has announced, in his saner moments recently, that as soon as GSP beats BJ he can have Anderson. Sounds like a done deal to me.
from about 1 month ago
Sounds like your all for the GSP vs. Silva fight- I can't blame you. Like I said in response to Stoker's comment I would like to see GSP beat Penn and Alves, Silva beat two LHW's, and then GSP vs. Silva at UFC 100. I am sure you could agree with that time line right?!
from about 1 month ago
GSP vs Silva might actually happen - as GSP has nothing to lose & Silva would fight anyone;
The only match better than that would be Silva vs Fedor (which is not likely to happen)
Another dream match (for me at least) would be BJ Penn vs Urijah Faber
from about 1 month ago
Surely someday we will see a Faberv Penn match. I wld really love that if Faber goes up again, but I would also enjoy seeing a lot of guys from WEC come to the UFC, especially Jake Shields. I would also love another Penn Alves fight or to see Koscheck go down a weight or take BJ on at 170#.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment GG.
As for Silva would fight anyone; I have a feeling he wouldn't/won't fight Machida.
As for "Silva vs Fedor" your probably right. Unless Silva fights him in Dream/Affliction after his UFC contract has expired.
In regard to "BJ Penn vs Urijah Faber", I cant see Faber being competitive. Faber's one loss (prior to Brown) was against Tyson Griffin. Tyson got beat by Sherk, and Sherk got owned by BJ and WW's Matt Hughes and GSP.
You could make the argument that Faber could drop down to 135 (featherweight) while BJ is looking to mold his body into a true WW at 170. BJ has even fought at 190 agaisnt Lyoto Machida.
Faber is good but I just cant see him closing the distance on Penn. Despite that it could be a good fight from a marketing perspective. Although Faber lost alot of marketing steam when he lost to Brown on the big stage. Personally, I would like to see Faber challenge Miguel Torres.
from about 1 month ago
Shields isn't in the WEC.
about 1 month ago
Great article Brian..Franklyn is at 205 and plans to stay there..and he has a loss to Machida ..(not named Silva)Dan Henderson's next fight will be a return to the 205lb division in Dublin against Franklyn...I would say "Nate the great" but spider has already beaten him...people may jump on me but id say either Bisping or Maia..THANK YOU 4 THAT POTD/STOKER
from about 1 month ago
I can see someone picking Bisping or Maia. I dont personally like Bisping but he has alot going for him right now so. I also dont like Yushin Okami but a lot of people like him too. I do like Maia, as well as Marquardt, but Maia probably needs another fight or two and Marquardt already got his shot.
I am not sold on Hendo staying at 205. I think its a move he had to make for now. Same for Franklin although he is more likely to stay there, unless Silva does in fact move to LHW. Those two are like oil and vinegar. This division is a bit chaotic, but it certainly makes it interesting. I wouldn't be surprised if Silva never fought at 185 again though, unless its against GSP.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE GSP BEAT PENN AND ALVES, SILVA BEAT TWO LHW'S, AND THEN GSP VS. SILVA AT UFC 100! WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?
about 1 month ago
Im going with Franklin. Ive always said when Anderson isnt fighting, hes the best. I wonder how the landscape would look if Silva hadnt ever shown up. I love Silva, just saying is all. Great read on a very relevant topic. Take care Brian.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Todd. I'm with you- I voted for Franklin. Not sure he can get by Henderson though. Should be a great fight.
about 1 month ago
Incidentally, if not GSP, I think Maia or MacDonald are the best choices as successors. They are still on the rise and I think Hendo and Franklin have topped out and are on the decline.
from about 1 month ago
I am glad to see MacDonald get some love! He is a real gamer. And I agree with you on Maia- He looks like a new & improved Royce Gracie. What do you see happening for the winner of Franklin/Henderson? The winner of that fight could be in line for a title shot at LHW. Geez the LHW division is so crowded, especially with Shogun Rua back and Couture possibly possibly dropping down.
from about 1 month ago
"the athlete"..new glasgow.nova scotia ..born and raised..
about 1 month ago
Crowded is right. I think of Franklin and Hendo as being less in the foreground now and more like elder statesmen who are there to guide the new guys to the top, I guess. I think their ruling days are over, or limited at least. They have had their day and need to step aside for the new wave of fighters.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, I can definitely see your point. I think you should do an article on the elder statesmen of the MMA. Hendo, Franklin, Liddell, Couture, Sherk (well hes probably not a statesmen). Maybe put Chris Lytle in there (was trying to think of someone from every division).
Thanks for the good comments D. Your analysis is sharp as always!
from about 1 month ago
That sounds way to serious for my taste and I have to be extremely motivated to write, so thenks. ut I will pass on the article.
about 1 month ago
Well it wouldn't be the first time I was shot down by a lady. Never by one with your status though =)
about 1 month ago
I go with Franklin too, even if he's not really in the middleweight division anymore. He was dominant there beating everybody other then Silva, I think he'll beat Dan Henderson at 93 and reign supreme mouahhaaha!
from about 1 month ago
I am starting to really look forward to that fight. I hope Franklin wins too. If he does he could be one shot away from a title fight. If that happens he may never fight in the MW division again-
from about 1 month ago
Wait isn't the Franklin vs Henderson fight at LHW?
from about 1 month ago
Yeah it is at LHW. I was saying that if Franklin wins, then he might be one more fight away from a LHW title shot. And because of that he may never fight at MW again. I can see how my statement was confusing.
from about 1 month ago
Oh ok sorry for the missunderstanding, I understand now.
about 1 month ago
I personally don't have anything against Jason MacDonald other that his nickname is "the athlete". That might possibly be one of the worst MMA nicknames. Whenever he is on a fight card, my friends and I always drag on a joke for the entire night about "how he is such a good athlete", "only an athlete could escape that submission", etc. For that reason alone, I don't think I could handle him being the MW champ.
I personally voted for Hendo. His fight with Silva was competitive. Henderson got in some ground and pound and may have won a round. That doesnt happen often against AS. Other than Hendo I like Maia. He has some serious BJJ...possibly best in the UFC right now.
I see a potential problem in TUF 9. The coaches for the next season appear to be coming from the MW division, one being Bisping. Rumors are that Maia or Hendo might be the other coach. This ties up two of the top contenders/"people's champs". I would think that the winner of the fight between the TUF 9 coaches will be the top contender and get the next title shot.
On a random/semi-unrelated note...I would love to see Dustin Hazelett and Demian Maia fight. Either Hazelett beef up or have it at a catch weight. I think that would be a very interesting fight against two guys that love to get "submission of the night".
from about 1 month ago
Ha, yeah putting MacDonald in was somewhat of a joke. Although I do really think he has heart. He has already lost to Franklin, Maia, and Yushin Okami so a title shot is probably very unlikely.
I really like Maia too. If Hendo wins I see him dropping back down and getting a title shot at Silva, after he is the coach of TUF 9 that is. I dont think Maia will get it and Hendo could use the UFC exposure more then Franklin.
I actually have an idea for an article to write if your interested. Hit me up on my profile if you want to know the concept. Thanks for the comment Andrew.
from about 1 month ago
Franklin has relented and said that he would be the other coach for UFC 9.
about 1 month ago
I see only Maia as a real threat to Silva's title - he can (and has) submit any other fighter on the list (I was really impressed by his seemingly effortless win over Quarry).
The only fight I saw that had a chance against Spyder was Travis Lutter - had he come in shape - we might not be howling at moon for Silva being no.1 pfp.
Silva can lose only 2 ways - either through some crazy-good jiujitsu or if he fights Fedor.
from about 1 month ago
What about fighting very athletic and possibly stronger fighters who can strike well & take punishment like: Rashad Evans, Wanderlei Silva, Rampage Jackson, or maybe Forrest Griffin? And you don't think GSP or Machida would have a shot?
from about 1 month ago
I meant that in middleweight class - only a crazy skilled jiu-jitsu guy has a chance against Silva.
A. Silva going to LHW & destroying everybody in their path would be dream come true :)
from about 1 month ago
A. Silva would destroy Evans, Rampage & I'm 100% sure he would destroy Griffin
from about 1 month ago
What about Wanderlei and Machida =)
about 1 month ago
Looks like Henderson and Franklin are tied for No. 1 in the polls. Ironically they are both fighting at 205 in their UFC 93 right. Will the real No. 1 MW contender please stand up?!
about 1 month ago
Dorothy,
Do you have a potential diagnosis for Dana White?
Based on careful studies of Dana's statements, inflection, and his over-all body language thus far, my diagnosis for Dana is: Aside from his strong narcissistic tendencies, he may be suffering from Personality Disorder otherwise unspecified.
What do you think?
from about 1 month ago
Sounds like a fit to me.
about 1 month ago
For the number one contender Marquardt has my vote. Henderson is in there but he's being lazy in his older age and wants nothing to do with cutting to 185. Good for him! Let him bash ppl at 205 thats cool with me! Marquardt is just to well rounded and strong to not be the number one contender at 185 if you ask me.
BJ and GSP. We can delve deeper into GSP as an actual contender at 185 and not just a marketing tool when he takes BJ. Which he will probably wont. GSP as phenomenal a fighter as he is, wont beable to stop BJ, and certainly not Anderson Silva. I know, i know, i know "but we love GSP" sure you do. Hes not a bad looking guy, athletic, powerful, he can knock people out. Understood hes a good fighter, and doesnt look bad on the cover of a magazine either. He doesnt have the skill set to stop BJ. Period.
from about 1 month ago
I like Marquardt alot. I hadn't heard anything about him since his vicious win over Kampmann at UFC 88. Have you heard anything about his next fight?
As for BJ vs. GSP vs. Silva- I will save that for another article =) That fight is going to be way more hyped and much better then Lesnar vs. Couture for sure!
from about 1 month ago
Ha Ha i agree so much more hype and your right i bet it delivers way more then Lesnar/Couture. As for Marquardt i havnt heard really anything about his next fight, i'll have to look into it
about 1 month ago
Maia: A Royce Gracie who can strike is a very bad dude.
Too bad they have too wear gloves, but aren't permitted a gi.
from about 1 month ago
I agree about Maia. He seems to have the most upswing of any fighter in the MW. I think he would have the most trouble with Marquardt or Henderson. Do we really want to go back to a gi?!
about 1 month ago
I voted for Dan Henderson! He was a beast in PFC,and i believe he'll beat "Ace" and fight Anderson for the MW belt again. Only to lose to him in the 3rd round! LOL
about 1 month ago
Thanks for the pick Sean. I agree with you that if Henderson beats Franklin there is a good chance he will get another title shot. If he takes the TUF 9 job though he will be out of the picture for awhile and then have to fight Bisping. Might be up to a year before he gets a title shot then.
Although, I somewhat agree with John who, a few comments up, said he thinks Dan is getting lazy in his old age and doesn't like cutting to 185. Who knows how it will all play out!
about 1 month ago
Yes! Optional gi. And how about bow-staffs too?
about 1 month ago
Yes! Optional gi. And how about bow-staffs too?
from about 1 month ago
Are we still talking about MMA? Did they have bow-staffs in Pride =)
about 1 month ago
I went with marquardt. His striking against Kampmann was phenomanal, did anyone see that performance coming?? grant it he is coming off a loss to Thales, but I think considering how controversial that was, the ufc will keep that in mind when deciding on him getting a shot. If he can defeat anyone else on that list(exluding maybe thales and mcdonald), he should be in line for a title shot next. I see Bisping getting it more realistically though. With one more win, the UFC can market that, make the event in England, and BAM! huge money, although not the most justified. Who knows though, if he can beat a top contender maybe he'll get some more credit and earn his shot.
from about 1 month ago
I haven't heard anything about Marquardt since that bad ass win over Kampmann at UFC 88. Have you heard anything? Marquardt is my favorite, along with Franklin who is my sentimental favorite. I also like Maia alot.
Bisping will be tied up for awhile with TUF 9. And he will have to fight the opposing coach (Hendo?) before getting a title shot. That could be up up to a year from now. I cant decide if I think Silva will ever defend the MW title again. Maybe agaisnt GSP (after GSP beats Alves?).
Thanks for the comment Bkilla.
from about 1 month ago
no I haven't heard much. Franklin is awesome, I just don't see them fighting a 3rd time, Silva is his cryptonite... I'm kind of suprised Silva and Jackson are fighting again, you don't see too many third fights when its already 2 and 0. Interesting
about 1 month ago
i feel marquardt and hendo are the two men who could finally defeat silva even though both have suffered losses to silva. Since the loss marquardt has looked phenominal with his great wrestling and strength not to mention his improved standup and i dont consider the Leites fight a loss.
and i think if hendo didnt get careless like he did last time out he can definatly beat anderson.
i dont think anyone else has a chance. bisping is inferior to anderson in everything and i think maia might be too small, but his jiu jitsu is sick.
marquardt should get next shot
from about 1 month ago
I pretty much agree with all of this comment here. Not much else to say. Thanks David! Keep up the good work.
about 1 month ago
Cung Le...Enough said, if you want more proof read my article on it.
from about 1 month ago
Well I didn't include Cung Le since he isn't in the UFC just yet. But I think that would be a great fight and hope that Dana gets Cung Le in the UFC. Although he is already 36 and has said he only wants to fight superfights. Also, he wont be cheap- he will make Dana open up the checkbook for sure. He got over 200,000 to fight Shamrock if I am not mistaken. Thanks for comment CJ!
about 1 month ago
Well I picked Damian Mai for this one even though I am a Dan Henderson fan simply for the fact that Mai has looked insane in all his UFC fights, submitting every single guy he's fought. It was tough to pick against Dan bcs I think he may be the best fighter on the list but he has suffered a few losses in the UFC and althought they were top guys I think he needs to work his way up to a title shot in order to get his grove back.
about 1 month ago
Well I picked Damian Mai for this one even though I am a Dan Henderson fan simply for the fact that Mai has looked insane in all his UFC fights, submitting every single guy he's fought. It was tough to pick against Dan bcs I think he may be the best fighter on the list but he has suffered a few losses in the UFC and althought they were top guys I think he needs to work his way up to a title shot in order to get his grove back.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for voting Jared. Yeah I agree, on Damian. He has sooo much potential. Yeah it was hard for me to overlook guys like Hendo and Rich because of what they have done but the lost and now are fighting at 205. I will be curious to see where the winner and loser go from there. What Anderson Silva does certainly affects both of them. Thanks for the comment and keep up the good writing man!
about 1 month ago
o yeah man you too.
about 1 month ago
Hands down: Rich Franklin.
Of the people, for the people. A class act all the way.
from about 1 month ago
Damn you Jon. Your right. I actually did vote for Rich, if I am showing my cards. I was torn between him and Marquardt. Although Marquardt is more of a No. 1 contender. He doesn't have the personality to be a "Peoples Champ."
from about 1 month ago
That's how I viewed it. Marquardt has a great resume, but if I were looking at this as far as someone that all fans can get behind because of work ethic and class, Franklin is second only to (if not tied with) Randy Couture.
about 1 month ago
Looks like Marquardt is the winner, although I dont know if 28 total votes qualifies someone.
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