Anderson Silva once again trumped a top-ranked middleweight contender with relative ease. Unfortunately for him, he’s in a catch 22 with the availability of opponents at his weight class.

The second round submission over widely-regarded veteran Dan Henderson after struggling in the first round left no doubt that Silva has sole possession of the vaunted title of the world’s pound-for-pound best fighter.

Which brings up another question: who’s next for Anderson Silva?

The first name coming to most observers eyes is Yushin Okami. This was further expedited after his knock out win against Evan Tanner. Though Tanner had not fought in over a year, the match-up was an intriguing affair style wise: Okami’s power was placed against Tanner’s thorough stand-up game. Okami surprised onlookers with his knock out, and deservedly so; he is more ground-and-pound oriented, but the end result was a welcomed surprise and added to the argument that he should be matched up next. That, and the nasty affair between the two at a Rumble on the Rock event in Hawaii that ended with Silva getting a DQ for up-kicking his opponent while on his knees.

If the result from Saturday is replicated with Okami, Silva will have done what many considered near impossible – clean out an entire division’s worthy adversaries for his title.

The most logical move would be a move up to the UFC’s light heavyweight division, but this move could prove to be a detriment to him. His current weight class suits him perfectly due to his reach and height advantage, as well as the numerous fights where he has fought at 185 lbs. He has appeared more comfortable at this weight and has complemented his training regimen with a well-developed stand-up game that has stunned his opponents in the UFC. Silva’s body frame, should he decide to step up in competition, could be a detriment insomuch as efficient cardiovascular conditioning and speed are concerned. Carrying the extra weight for the move up can prove to be a negative move.

Though there are opponents available for Silva in other promotions – Cung Le, Frank Shamrock, and even Robbie Lawler – contractual situations and promotion politics would most likely stand in the way. The match-ups with the aforementioned fighters can be the last challenges for Silva’s middleweight reign.

One other long-shot possibility mentioned would be the emergence of a competitor from a lower weight class.

Georges St.-Pierre has proven to be a top draw for Zuffa with landmark performances against former welterweight champion Matt Hughes, as well as a whole litany of contenders, marquee names, and gate-keepers in the division.

Should the interim welterweight champion continue to prove his unmatched fight game in the division, perhaps a fight at an agreed-upon catch weight between he and Silva can co-headline or headline a pay-per-view card. The hype and promotion surrounding the bout would be quite a litmus test for the UFC. This is because the two names involved are non-American, and the draw potential can hurt Zuffa’s ability to claim that their cards draw highly with consumers, regardless of fighter nationality. On the other hand, this once-in-a-lifetime fight can certainly bring about a wider pool of interest from fans and observers alike. Silva has fought previously at a weight of 175 lbs., and assuming he could make the cut, St.-Pierre can just as easily match the weight and be prepared for a fight that followers can salivate over.

Dana, this would be highly successful. Make it happen.