Anderson Silva is back in action on Saturday night, but it will not be to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship. It is unlikely that he defends the belt again until the spring of 2013 or later. There is also the possibility of a superfight with Georges St. Pierre that could push a defense back further.
Standing at the top of the list of contenders are Michael Bisping and Chris Weidman. Depending on how the schedule plays out, and if Weidman defeats Tim Boetsch in December, these two men may have to meet in a title eliminator.
Bisping is coming off of a victory over Brian Stann at UFC 152, and Weidman continued his undefeated record versus Mark Munoz in July.
Both men want a title shot, but with Silva unavailable to defend, that could force them into the Octagon against one another to determine the absolute No. 1 contender.
Here’s a look at the potential title elimination matchup.