5 New Middleweight Challengers for Anderson Silva Who Haven't Fought Him Yet

At 36, UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva might not stay around long enough to give a new middleweight challenger an opportunity to fight him. The line of fresh contenders in the middleweight division is rising, and there are several fighters waiting for their first chance at the "Spider" while others await a rematch.

MMA fans are calling for superfights between the pound-for-pound king and UFC champions Georges St. Pierre and Jon Jones, but it might be worth it for him to stay at middleweight and defend his belt against the best of the rest that his division has left to offer from inside and outside the UFC.

These are five possible middleweight fighters he could face who he hasn't fought before.

Notable Mention: Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping might not have the best chance at defeating Silva, but he is one who would certainly draw a lot of attention from fans for positive and negative reasons.

Currently on a three-fight win streak, "The Count" may only be two fights away from a possible title shot. His next challenge comes against Jason Miller at the TUF 14 Finale.

In his most recent fight, Bisping defeated Jorge Rivera by TKO but not without controversy. Immediately following his win, he spit toward Rivera's corner and was fined for the incident. This has caused many fighters to criticize and call out the British fighter.

Why not let him fight Silva if he continues to extend his winning streak? The Brazilian might have a lesson or two to teach him about showing respect to an opponent after a fight is over.

No. 5: Brian Stann

Brian Stann is one of the leading candidates for 2011's fighter of the year, and he holds knockout victories against Chris Leben and Jorge Santiago to support it.

With his recent move down to middleweight from light heavyweight, Stann has brought an advantage in punching power that few middleweights can match.

His next challenge will come at UFC 137 against former title challenger Chael Sonnen, and it will be his toughest test considering Sonnen is ranked second in the division by most people. It will also be the most important fight in his career as it sends him straight into a title shot or very close to one with a victory.

It would be speed vs. strength if he finds himself in a fight with Silva in 2012.

No. 4: Tim Kennedy

Former Strikeforce middleweight title challenger Tim Kennedy recently defeated a heavy-handed opponent in Robbie Lawler to improve his record to 14-3. That followed a submission victory against Melvin Manhoef.

Kennedy likes to make it tough on himself and fight through his own blood, sweat and tears. He had to overcome this for the majority of the Lawler fight to win a decision, but it doesn't mean he isn't a finisher. 12 of his 14 victories have been won by submission or knockout.

His only losses in the last nine years have been to Jason Miller and Ronaldo Souza.

No. 3: Ronaldo De Souza

Ronaldo De Souza is one of the best fighters outside the UFC and someone everyone wants to see fight inside the premiere organization. With him finding success as the current Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, don't expect to see him in the UFC any time soon.

It might take a career-changing decision from the Brazilian to vacate his belt and move to the UFC, but it will be worth it in the end if he chooses to do so.

De Souza, who holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, is currently on a four-fight win streak with victories against Tim Kennedy, Robbie Lawler, Matt Lindland and Joey Villasenor.

His next fight will come against Luke Rockhold at Strikeforce 36.

No. 2: Jason Miller

For as wild and crazy as Jason "Mayhem" Miller is outside the ring, he brings the same type of attitude into the ring and usually succeeds. This often makes for fan-friendly fights, and ones that people usually remember for quite a while.

Miller is 24-7 with his losses coming against the likes of Georges St. Pierre, Ronaldo Souza and Chael Sonnen. He also lost a competitive title fight versus former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields.

With the marketability behind him from Bully Beatdown and his appearance on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter alongside Michael Bisping, the winner of that fight will make a strong case as the next top contender for Silva's belt.

His ground skills, which have earned him 14 submission victories, makes him a very interesting challenge for Silva.

No. 1: Hector Lombard

If Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard ever makes an appearance in the UFC, fans can expect to see him challenging for the middleweight title sooner or later down the road.

At 33, he might not have much time left to challenge an even older Anderson Silva if he doesn't get in soon.

He is currently riding a 22-fight win streak and hasn't lost since 2006. He has stopped 13 of his last 15 opponents.

His next fight will come against Ultimate Fighter veteran Jesse Taylor on September 3.