Anderson “The Spider” Silva’s (26-4) reign over the UFC middleweight division has been at times less than beautiful, though his superiority has never once been forced into question by any foe to oppose him inside the octagon. Former Pride Fighting Championships title holder and perennial contender Dan Henderson took a round from Anderson, only to succumb to a submission the following frame. Silva easily destroyed another former champ in Rich “Ace” Franklin, and he did it twice without ever facing a trace of danger. Many have challenged for the title, but no one has truly challenged for the title.

With the divisional standings shifting regularly, it’s time to take a look at who may pose a threat to the long time champion, and who may at least make for an exciting clash of styles.

#1 Vitor Belfort (19-8): Belfort’s past mid-fight mental breakdowns are the greatest question mark looming over this potential match-up. Vitor started his career in explosive fashion, disposing of his first four opponents in just over three minutes total combined time. Then he completely collapsed mentally in his first encounter with Randy Couture. There have been many a flash of brilliance since then, and a handful of instances that nearly force a fan to question the man’s mindset.

Through it all however, Belfort has prevailed and seems to have finally found stable legs in the latter portions of his career. The Brazilian native currently rides a five fight win streak, and holds explosive first round victories over former champions Rich Franklin and Matt Lindland in that span. With some of the fastest hands in the division, Belfort will certainly be the pest striker Silva has faced in quite some time. Whether or not he’s the best mixed martial artist or not remains to be scene.

#2 Chael Sonnen (24-10-1): Fortunately for fans we don’t have to wait long to see this one come to fruition. The two are scheduled to collide August 7th in the main event of UFC 117. Sonnen represents a modern grappler versus striker clash, and may just have the tenacity and momentum to dethrone Silva.

Unfortunately for Sonnen, opponents who talk trash prior to the bout tend to get manhandled (by a usually noticeably angry Anderson) far worse than those who pay proper respect. Of course most of Chaels abrasive comments aren’t all too personal, or all that genuine either. The man has become his own hype machine; he lets his mouth go, and the quotes flow. He’s also a ridiculously proud guy with a pretty big heart, which is exactly what makes this fight interesting. Chael Sonnen will wade in the trenches, and he’ll get to Anderson. Can he pull off anything of substance when he gets there is a question we just won’t truly know until August 7th.

#3 Jake Shields (25-4-1): While Vitor Belfort may have the best chance of blitzing Silva with strikes, Shields possesses a truly stifling top game, and some explosive (and extremely improved) takedowns that could present plenty of issues for Anderson. His ground-and-pound attack is relentless, and while he may not pack dynamite in either hand, his continual flurries add up on their opponents, and the score cards. Even more daunting is his lethal submission game; a mix of fairly high risk maneuvers and calculated timing have resulted in 10 submission victories for the California based Strikeforce champion.

Rumors that Shields is on the verge of signing a contract with the UFC continue to swirl. Shields has remained pretty quiet during apparent negotiations, and Dana White hasn’t revealed too much in terms of progress, but indications lean heavily that Shields will indeed sign with UFC. If he does, well, we’ve got a very, very serious new addition to the middleweight division, and perhaps, the greatest dark horse in the game today.

#4 Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1-1): I’ll openly confess that Anderson would likely outclass Wanderlei in embarrassing fashion, at this point in Wanderlei’s career at least (rewind half a decade and we’re talking about a completely different fight). That doesn’t change the fact that when “The Axe Murderer” gets hit, he hits back, quite hard, albeit a bit wild at times. It’s a bout that is sure to create fireworks (while it lasts) and someone willing to engage with Anderson in a pure slugfest would make for one truly memorable clash that would likely cling to the memories of MMA fans across the globe.

Will it be pretty, tactical or competitive? Probably not. It will however make for some extreme violence that should render every arena seat assless for the duration of the bout. It’s the kind of performance Anderson Silva could benefit highly from, and perhaps wash a little of the foul taste that lingers in the mouth after witnessing Silva’s antics against Demian Maia at UFC 112.

#5 Ronaldo Souza (12-2-0-1): This decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu phenom brings some of the nastiest submissions the division has to offer. Souza’s had enough success on the grappling circuit to cast concern into any potential opponents; the fact that those BJJ skills have transferred so seamlessly into Mixed Martial Arts competition only adds to the mystique of this surging prospect. While Souza may not pack the most sound all-around MMA game, he can end any fight on the mat if the opportunity presents itself, even a fighter of Anderson’s caliber.

It’s unlikely we’ll see the Strikeforce middleweight in a position to challenge Anderson anytime in the near future. Dana White has shown little recognition of his promise, and seems to have even less interest in acquiring his services for competition under the UFC banner. However, in this business, one big win could change anything. We’ll have to wait to see if these two are destined to meet in combat or not.