ROUNDTABLE: Who should the UFC put in against Anderson Silva for his next Title defense?

Who should the UFC put in against Anderson Silva next, and why?


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Man, remember six months ago when we were all convinced that middleweight was the next great division, with almost a dozen guys who were talented enough to be considered top guys? Then they all lost or got injured, and now we're left with a short list of guys, none of whom are worthy (either by talent, resume, or both) of a title shot with Anderson Silva.

People are talking about Chris Weidman as the guy to take down Anderson Silva, figuratively and literally. Because, you know, beating Demian Maia and Mark Munoz makes you Spiderman, apparently. And even though he might be the best of a bad lot, beating Maia and Munoz isn't enough to warrant a crack at the big bad wolf. And even if you are of the (potentially valid) belief that no one else is more worthy than Weidman, The Maia fight was dreadfully dull, the Munoz fight was seven months ago, and since it was on Fuel nobody actually watched it. The name Weidman on the top of the poster won't draw one extra buy. And if you know anything about the current Middleweight Champion, you know that's a major consideration.

Luke Rockhold might slide into that title shot then, since the UFC could try to market Silva vs. Rockhold as Champ Versus Champ. You know, just like how the NFL likes to market the San Francisco 49ers Versus Some Team From The XFL as Champ Versus Champ, too. If you think Weidman's resume is thin, then Rockhold's is see through. In the last 35 months, Rockhold has defeated Jacare Souza (fringe top-10, Keith Jardine (fringe top-400), and Tim Kennedy (fringe top-25). That's it. Plus, giving Rockhold an immediate title shot further legitimizes the legacy of Strikeforce, and who wants that, anyhow?

Hector Lombard? Come on man, surely you jest. While it would be fun to see Lombard go on a roll through the middleweight division, he's going to have to go on a roll in order to have any legit wins on his record. If Rockhold's resume is see-through, Lombard's is non-existent. Not to mention that Lombard is capable of some seriously dull fights. And of course, do you think the UFC wants to do anything else to legitimize Bellator? Doubtful.

So now we're on to Vitor Belfort. Belfort brings name recognition and popularity, and a better resume than Belfort, Lombard, and Rockhold combined. What he also brings to the table, unfortunately, is this



and of course this



and don't forget about this either



So that's out.

So why not Rashad Evans? Just by the fact that he's a former champion and is almost always a main event or co-main event fighter, he's the best of a thin lot. Ask Frankie Edgar if the UFC is willing to grant immediate title shots to fighters who are willing to drop a weight class in order to do the UFC a solid.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I don't think anybody has really earned a title shot in the division, but I guess you put Chris Weidman in there. I would like to see Rashad Evans fight Silva, but that wouldn't be for a while. Ideally, Silva fights Rashad while the rest of the division tries to sort itself out. After the Evans fight, Silva could fight Jon Jones unless someone has clearly won a title shot.


ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think most everyone knows Silva is almost at the end of his career. He has basically destroyed everyone who has faced him with the exception of Chael Sonnen. He is the greatest fighter who has ever lived. It seems to me, the two things left he really cares about are money and his legacy. Both of these two things are addressed with superfights. He can bolster both of those things if he can fight and defeat GSP or Jon Jones. He is unlike most UFC fighters, in that he can pick who he fights. In my opinion, he will take one or both of these fights and then retire.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

My only two choices would be Rashad Evans or Vitor Belfort. Chris Weidman beating Mark Munoz doesn't really impress me, he needs to beat an elite talent that is more relevant than that. Actually, check that I would be completely content with seeing Hector Lombard take on Silva too. So I have three ideas that work for me. The rest of the division is sitting a bit too far back for a shot right now, and many would argue that Costa Phillipou is closer than Lombard, but let's face it, Lombard beat Boestch too on a sane mans scorecard.


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

I kind of knew this type of question was coming, even before Saturday night (and I don't like it one bit). I'm devastated that it won't be Michael Bisping, and I'm fairly sure the UFC feel the same way too. There really aren't many realistic opponents for the champion now. I like the idea of Rashad Evans dropping down providing he beats Lil Nog at UFC 156 next month. He's a big name and worthy of an instant shot. He also has an elite level skill set that's missing from the middleweight division right now. A skill set that could give Anderson Silva some problems that Michael Bisping never could have.

[Anderson Silva art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/roundtables/article_15682.shtml

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