Anderson Silva: Top 10 Fights to Make from Welterweight to Heavyweight

In a recent interview on ESPN radio, Anderson Silva's manager, Ed Soares, spoke highly of his client and predicted that Silva could beat any fighter at any weight class from welterweight to heavyweight.

The UFC Middleweight champion is unquestionably one of the most dominant champions in UFC history and has toyed with the idea of moving up in weight after defeating James Irvin and Forrest Griffin on two separate occasions. 

We'll take a look at the most intriguing fights for Silva, if he were to decide to move up or down a weight class and compete against some of the division's most prominent fighters.

Here is the Top Ten Fights for Anderson Silva to Make from Welterweight to Heavyweight.

No.10: Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz is one of the most competitive fighters at 170 lbs. 

The Strikeforce Welterweight champion has been through some of the most entertaining bouts and fought some credible opponents throughout his career. In a bout against Silva, Diaz might be one of the most unique opponents that "The Spider" hasn't faced in his career. 

Diaz carries a fearless attitude into each of his fights, a long with a ferocious and resilient pace that ultimately wears down his opponents. It'd be interesting to see how Silva would react to the constant pressure and trash-talk from Diaz, as he is a patient and accurate counter-striker who prefers to measure distance and timing before he attacks, however against Diaz, he could be in for a more competitive fight than he would expect. 

No.9: Frank Mir

One of the more entertaining bouts for Silva, stylistically, would be a heavyweight bout against Frank Mir. Mir has been vocal in past interviews about competing against the Brazilian and would serve as an interesting opponent.

Mir is much bigger and stronger than most of the opponents Silva has faced and could likely make it a competitive bout as he is one of the most intelligent fighters when it comes to analyzing his opponents. Not to mention, Mir holds some of the best Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu in mixed martial arts and should he take the fight to the canvas, it is highly possible that Silva could be submitted. 

No.8: BJ Penn

No matter who is against BJ Penn, it turns out to be an entertaining fight.

Penn is no stranger to transitioning through weight classes, as he has held both the UFC Welterweight title and UFC Lightweight title, respectively. 

Penn also fought Silva's teammate and close friend, Lyoto Machida, in a light heavyweight bout in K-1 in 2005. A bout against Penn would provide Silva with one of the most difficult challenges in his career, as well as attempting to finish the Hawaiian native, who is very durable. 

Penn is also renowned for his extreme flexibility and would be very difficult for Silva to control on the ground. Penn would be giving up a distinct height and reach disadvantage, however he is certainly not an opponent to be taken lightly. 

No.7: Brock Lesnar

Arguably the biggest challenge of Silva's career could be contested in a heavyweight bout with former UFC Heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar. 

Lesnar's size and strength is something to behold, along with his remarkable athleticism. Silva's only advantage against Lesnar would be on the feet, as he has been susceptible to takedowns and would have a hard time managing with Lesnar's control and positioning. 

Not to mention, Silva would be outweighed and overpowered by Lesnar and it is unlikely he would successfully attempt a submission on his opponent's 265 lb frame.

No.6: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is one of the most feared strikers in the light heavyweight division.

Jackson's striking power and combinations would serve as a potential threat against Silva, as well his ability to move forward and cut off distance. Jackson's foot work and head movement have also allowed him to get inside of his opponent's, which makes it easier for him to land strikes. 

Jackson's footwork could help contribute to getting inside of Silva and landing, as well as the immediate pressure he would put on. Silva wouldn't likely have the time or space to figure out Jackson's timing and ultimately be forced to stand and trade. 

Silva would not be uncomfortable or scared to trade with Jackson, but his timing and composure would certainly be affected.

No.5: Chael Sonnen

Who wouldn't want to see a rematch featuring Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen, it produced one the best fights in 2010. 

A second bout might not generate the same excitement as their first bout, but Sonnen would likely approach Silva with a similar strategy and utilize his wrestling skills. Perhaps what's interesting is if Sonnen could close the distance and be consistent while pressuring against a healthier, more motivated Silva. 

Silva had trouble with maintaining distance and defending his opponent's takedowns, and it's possible that he could be planted on the ground again. Now whether Sonnen would be aware Silva's BJJ credentials, remains to be seen.

No.4: Cain Velasquez

This would be another bout where Silva might have difficulty maintaining distance against a resilient and bigger fighter in Cain Velasquez.

Velasquez's relentless pace and quick combinations have proven to work in his favour and tire out his opponents. In addition to his pace, Velasquez possess some of the best wrestling in the heavyweight division and outworks his opponents for a more dominant position. 

Silva would not likely be in any immediate danger, but he would have to look for openings early on in order to counter strike Velasquez's kickboxing. But against a bigger opponent, Silva would not have an easy time controlling Velasquez and he would be taken down and outworked. Velasquez has not shown much submission defense in his past fights, but his wrestling credentials certainly make up for it.

No.3: Rashad Evans

Rashad Evans is one of the elite competitors at 205 lbs, and stylistically, could pose a threat to Silva.

Silva would rather prefer a bout against Evans because it would allow both fighters to figure out each other and give the Brazilian a chance to time the speed and striking of the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion.

Evans possess very good footwork and striking, which he sets up while feinting and circling his opponents. While he won't necessarily commit to striking entirely, Evans tends to utilize his striking to setup a takedown, and when he puts it altogether, he is very explosive and hard to defend. 

Silva's greatest chance to defeat Evans is by creating distance and setting up strikes and combinations. Evans' chin has been suspect as of late, but he has shown a good ability to remain composed and recover. If Evans would be able to utilize his head movement and speed, he could successfully take down Silva and control him.

No.2: Jon Jones

In a bout against Jon Jones, Silva would be at a disadvantage in almost every aspect of the fight. 

Jones possess unorthodox striking and an 84.5 inch reach which allows him to setup his strikes and takedowns from a longer distance than most wrestlers. His reach and strength provide a lot of leverage for him to succesfully land strikes or takedowns. 

Silva's only chance would be on the feet but it would be hard to see him find his distance against a much larger and stronger opponent. And if Jones took him down, Silva would have a difficult time amounting any offense off of his back, allowing Jones to use his size and reach to control and dominate the Brazilian. 

No.1: Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre is the most well-rounded and intelligent fighter in the UFC. 

A potential bout between him and Silva would likely be a career defining moment for either competitor and it would be one of the most competitive fights in Silva's career. 

St-Pierre possess the best wrestling in MMA and has an incredible work ethic that is incomparable. 

St-Pierre's ability to cover distance could affect Silva's timing and striking, but it is his wrestling that could ultimately tire out the Brazilian and wear him down. Perhaps the biggest strength St-Pierre could utilize against Silva is his intelligence. The French-Canadian is very disciplined and has some of the smartest coaches in MMA, which would allow him to formulate a strategy that doesn't put him in a vulnerable position. 

Not only would he control and outwork "The Spider" on the ground, but he would be persistent in attacking, which could allow him to look for openings and defeat Silva.