Top UFC Middleweights

Since blasting through Chris Leben in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut, Anderson Silva has staked his claim as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. He has defeated all challengers including Rich Franklin (twice), Dan Henderson, Nate Marquardt, Thales Leites and Patrick Cote. Silva’s style has been accurately described by UFC announcer Joe Rogan as, “a symphony of violence.” Devastating striking and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are the tools Silva uses to carve out his place as one of the best of all time.

A former Pride champion in two weight classes, Henderson has fought only the best competition during his most recent run in the UFC. He lost a title fight with former 205 pound champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and followed that up with a loss to Anderson Silva in a middleweight title match. Since then, Henderson has reeled off two straight victories, including a win against former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin. A legend in the sport, he will be facing Michael Bisping at UFC 100.

Although Yushin Okami is the last man to hold a victory over Anderson Silva, Okami himself admits that the win is tainted as it was due to a disqualification of Silva for an illegal strike. Okami’s only loss in the UFC is to former champ Rich Franklin. Many are rooting for Okami to earn a title shot in the near future, but his style may be seen by UFC brass as too dull to deserve a spot in the main event.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller is one of the best all around middleweights in mixed martial arts. Miller is excellent with his submissions and is also known to finish a few fights by (T)KO. Miller's recent signing to the UFC will propel him on his way to the top of the division.

Nate Marquardt, like several of the top challengers at 185 pounds, has already dropped a bout to the Anderson Silva. However, during his tenure in the UFC he has proven to be one of the best fighters in any weight class. In 2008, he decimated Thales Leites for three rounds, but lost the decision due to point deductions. If he continues to dazzle, Marquardt will likely get another shot at the title in the next year.

A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) wizard, Maia is living proof that elite grappling can be just as exciting as flashy knockouts. Unfortunately, Maia may be held back in his quest for a title shot due to the fact that fellow BJJ ace Thales Leites recently turned in a widely-panned performance against Anderson Silva. However, Maia’s style of fighting is unlike anything seen in the UFC in recent memory, and his aggressiveness and desire to finish fights is unquestionable.