The Doggy Bag: The Silva-Sonnen Edition

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When Anderson Silva-Chael Sonnen is all said and done, the winner’s next fight will be a big deal. If Sonnen pulls it off in the rematch, I have to think that the UFC will make it a trilogy and do the final fight in Brazil. If Silva wins, there are lots of new contenders like Michael Bisping, Brian Stann, Mark Munoz, Tim Boetsch and Hector Lombard, but none seem worthy of a title shot yet. Who will it be if Silva retains his title? -- Chris from Birmingham

Brian Knapp, features editor: The name that jumps out on that short list belongs to Bisping. He has a built-in following and a reputation as one of the sport’s most hated villains. More importantly, his performances of late, particularly the one he put forth against Sonnen, have cemented his legitimacy as a potential title contender.

You have to eliminate Stann, Boetsch and Lombard right off the bat. Stann was steamrolled by Sonnen. People still have their doubts about whether or not Boetsch can be a real player at the highest levels of the middleweight division. Beating Yushin Okami was nice, but we need to see more. Lombard remains an interesting candidate, as he can point to a long winning streak, but he has not yet competed against a high enough caliber of opponent. The Trevor Prangleys, Jesse Taylors and Herbert Goodmans of the world simply do not measure up.

That leaves Munoz, a man with whom Silva has trained. He poses perhaps the greatest tactical threat to the champion of any of the challengers mentioned because of his extensive wrestling background, heavy top game and punishing ground-and-pound. However, Munoz faces an extremely difficult task when he meets Chris Weidman at UFC on Fuel TV 4. Weidman has morphed from prospect to contender in a hurry, and he could find himself in this discussion by this time next year if the proper pieces fall into place.

I would lean towards Bisping at this point, based on his experience in big fights and his standing in the sport. Considering all the injury-related headlines we have endured of late, the UFC needs headliners with box-office appeal. Plus, Bisping’s only true “loss” in the UFC came to Dan Henderson (another potential foe for “The Spider”). Some people think he defeated Rashad Evans. More thought he beat Wanderlei Silva. Many thought he beat Sonnen.

People need to remember, too, that Anderson Silva turned 37 in April and has openly discussed the idea of retirement in the past. He could render conversations like this one moot by clobbering Sonnen in their rematch at UFC 148 and walking off into the sunset, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s middleweight crown resting comfortably on his head.