Costa Philippou Would Like Winner of Stann vs. Silva

With a knockout win over Tim Boetsch at UFC 155, surging middleweight Costa Philippou made it clear he is a serious contender at 185 pounds. 

The win was his fifth straight, and first over a serious divisional title player.

Philippou spoke with MMA Weekly about his recent victory, and about his plans moving forward in the middleweight division.

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It’s huge. Beating a top five UFC fighter [Boetsch] with four straight victories, and not very many people go four straight wins in a row. I have to say [I'm] one of the few guys that [has won] five in a row right now, and not many people can say that in the UFC in any weight class. I’m on top of the world right now.

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But feeling like he is on top of the world doesn't necessarily mean Philippou is at the top of the UFC's packed 185-pound division. Indeed, he knows greater challenges bar the path of his continued ascendancy.

And though he isn't looking to return to the Octagon until "around June, if they're [the UFC] is okay with that," Philippou already has some ideas about who his next opponent should be. Namely, the winner of Brian Stann vs. Wanderlei Silva, a contest booked for March 3, at UFC on Fuel TV 8.

"I'm definitely looking at the Brian Stann/Wanderlei Silva fight," notes Philippou. "Brian Stann would be a great match-up for me, Wanderlei Silva, if he decides not to retire, I think would be able to put on a great fight."

Philippou goes on to add that "It would be an honor to be in the cage with either of them," so he isn't making a prediction or stating a preference. He just wants the winner.

What do you think? Are Stann and Silva viable options for the owner of a five-fight win streak? Or should the UFC look elsewhere for Philippou's next opponent?