UFC 122 Results: Nate Marquardt Vs. Yushin Okami, What Happens Next?

Now that the dust has settled from UFC 122, a man stands in the shadows waiting for his chance to crush a "Spider" and another is left with nothing but questions on where to go next. 

We will now examine what's is next for the winner and loser of the Marquardt v. Okami matchup and who some potential opponents might be. 

Winner's Circle: Yushin Okami

After grinding out a solid victory over Nate "The Great" Marquardt, Okami has now taken the steps toward securing a title shot for the UFC Middleweight Championship.

Who he'll be facing—presumably next summer—will depend on how a highly anticipated matchup will go between these two men. 

In Anderson Silva, Okami faces a man who, outside of his near loss to Chael "P.E.D." Sonnen, is nearly unbeatable. However, thanks to Sonnen, Okami now has a formula which he can use to take the Spider down.

If the winner of this UFC 126 matchup happens to be Vitor Belfort, then Okami just needs to weather the storm and make the fight go into the later rounds. As history has shown, once the fight doesn't  go Belfort's way in the early going, then it is all but a lost cause. 

It won't be an easy road the new No. 1 contender. 

Reflection Time: Nate Marquardt

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PORTLAND, OR - AUGUST 29: UFC fighter Nate Marquardt (L) battles UFC fighter Demian Maia (R) during their Middleweight bout at UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira at the Rose Garden Arena on August 29, 2009 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty I

Alas poor Nate Mardquardt, it's been a rough year for you. First you lose to Chael Sonnen at UFC 109 in February, then you star in a really bad rap video by your new business manager MC Hammer ( yes parachute pants), and now a second loss in two out of three fights this year costing you your No. 1 contender status. 

What is next the "The Great" one?

Here are a few potential options that Marquardt can try for 2011:

Rousimar Palhares Rematch

Back in September, Nate Marquardt faced this man/beast by the name of Rousimar Palhares. While he did win, Palhares contested that Marquardt had been greased, a claim which he later dismissed. 

However, one would wonder what would have happened if the match had gone on a bit longer. 

Move To 205

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PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 08: Anderson Silva (R) throws a right punch to Forrest Griffin during their light heavyweight bout at UFC 101: Declaration at the Wachovia Center on August 8, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Maybe an experiment at a heavier weight class might make a difference for Marquardt. With his big frame, he might be able to stand his ground against some mid level fighters at first and work his way up the ladder. 

First ideal candidate on the list, Tito Ortiz.