Whats Gonna Happen to the Middleweight Division?

With Anderson Silva's future bouts most likely at 205 pounds, it leaves many asking for him to relinquish his middleweight title. Although he most likely won't, it is a small possibility. If he does, what would happen to the middleweight division?

Would the winner of the TUF 9 coaches fight be declared the champion?

Or maybe they have a small tournament to decide.

Like the heavyweight division...

They could pull the top four contenders and have them face off on a pay-per view card. Then at another card, have the winners face off to determine the champ.

But what if Anderson Silva stays; he's proven that there's no match for him in the 185-pound division.

Michael Bisping? He's not even close to Silva; I give him two rounds, max!

Dan Henderson? He's probably the closest; he did dominate the first round of their fight—only for Anderson Silva to re-group in the second round and submit him.

Rich Franklin? Please, he's already been beaten twice and wants to move on to light-heavyweight.

Demian Maia? Maybe, but he's not ready yet. I'd give him a couple more fights before I throw him in there with Anderson.

Nate Marquardt? Possibly, but he looked impressive in his win over Martin Kampmann. He also would've beaten Thales Leites, but was deducted two points. He may stand a chance, but a very slim one.

Thales Leites? He's 5-1 since coming to the UFC but is looking hot as of late. But he's really never faced a good opponent. Nate Marquardt dominated their fight, but as is said before, lost because he had points deducted.

Yushin Okami? Likely, if he wins against Dean Lister, he's all but guaranteed to fight for the title. But will he beat Anderson Silva "again?" I put again in quotations because he only won by DQ, he's one of the few fighters that won after they've been knocked out cold.

Patrick Cote? Unlikely, when he returns from injury, he'll need two or three tune up fights before he gets to the division's elite. But if he does return and appears to not miss a step, he'll definitely be a force.

Robbie Lawler? Maybe—if the UFC picks him up from free agency. He's improved a lot since his last octagon appearance; he held the EXC middleweight belt until their demise. He could test Silva, but will he be back in the UFC? No one knows.

People have many different perspectives and ideas on what should happen with this division. Silva should stay. Silva should go. Either way you look at it, the middleweight division is in a pickle right now. What will come of it? Who knows? But it should be fun to watch...