We all know that Anderson Silva is the most dominate MW in the world.  Has set the UFC record for longest winning  streak (10), tied for the most consecutive title defenses (5), and has remained unbeaten for over 4 years.  Due to his overwhelming dominance, Silva currently resides at or near the top of every MMA Pound 4 Pound ranking.  But what if A.S. were to suddenly vanish?  The UFC MW landscape would change dramatically.  With that in mind, who would rule the UFC's MW division in a world without the Spider?  Time find out, Tournament style...

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

The opening match of the tourney proved to be a welcome back party for Patrick Cote, as he bested Sexyama with 56% of the vote.  Though it was a closely contested affair, Cote's aggression and punching power likely swayed the judges as he probably landed the more powerful strikes while controlling the tempo.  Cote now moves on to the QFs where tournament #1 seed Chael Sonnen awaits.

                                                            QF1      1 C. Sonnen

Match #1:    8 Yoshihiro Akiyama                    9 P. Cote

                   9 Patrick Cote

                                                            QF2      4 D. Maia                                                                           

Match #2:   5 Wanderlei Silva                          Winner of 5/12

                12 Chris Leben

                                                            QF3      3 V. Belfort

Match #3:    6 Yushin Okami                            Winner of 6/11

                 11 Dan Miller

                                                            QF4      2  N. Marquardt

Match #4:    7 Michael Bisping                         Winner of 7/10

                 10 Alan Belcher

Match # 2 Features fan favorite and MMA Legend Wanderlei Silva.  The Axe Murderer's aggressive style is unmatched in MMA, and he is looking for a rebirth at MW following mixed results in the UFC's LHW division.  His 1st test comes in the way of Chris Leben.  The Crippler is the original TUF bad boy.  Following the show, Leben went on a tear, and was only 1 win away from earning a shot at UFC gold.  Unfortunately, he tried to earn that final win against one Anderson Silva.  We all know how that turned out.  Since that time, Leben has had mixed results inside and outside the ring (steroid suspension).  This fight will be one of the more fan friendly of the tourney, as there will likely be little defensive posturing between these two.   

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Who would rule the day, in a world without Anderson Silva?  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.