Anderson Silva is already an all-time great, but in the middleweight division, five voracious, tiger-eyed cats lie in wait, ready to pounce at the slightest given opportunity.
They are the ones that pose the greatest threats to Silva’s tenure as the undisputed linchpin of the 185-pounders.
“The Spider” heads into UFC 148 to take on the perennial trash-talking Chael Sonnen in a matchup that has grabbed the imagination of both MMA connoisseurs and casual fans alike.
The highly projected fight for the ages will see Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) attempt a record 10th successive title defense and—if he can do so—elevate his status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound king to even loftier heights.
That being said, here’s a look at Silva’s quintet threat.