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.

Match #3 was far less competitive than anticipated, as Yushin Okami grabbed a sizable 65% of the vote.  Known for his overwhelming strength within the division, Okami likely outpowered and grinded away at Miller to secure the win.  Thunder now moves on to face the ever dangerous hands of Vitor Belfort.  

                                                            QF1      1 C. Sonnen

Match #1:    8 Yoshihiro Akiyama                    9 P. Cote

                   9 Patrick Cote

                                                            QF2      4 D. Maia                                                                           

Match #2:   5 Wanderlei Silva                          5 W. Silva

                12 Chris Leben

                                                            QF3      3 V. Belfort

Match #3:    6 Yushin Okami                            6 Yushin Okami

                 11 Dan Miller

                                                            QF4      2  N. Marquardt

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

                 10 Alan Belcher

Match # 4 features 2 fighters who have been very vocal about their underrated status.  Bisping 1st got the chance to silence the naysayers and prove he belonged among the division's elite when he squared off against Dan Henderson.  Once the count regained consciousness, he realized he still had a ways to go to reach the ranks of the division's best.  Alan Belcher has also been on a quest for respect, and feels he to belongs among the best at MW.  He has managed to sandwich a couple impressive wins around a controversial and closely contested  loss to Sexyama.  Could a victory over the Count finally get him the recognition he desires?  Only one way to find out. 

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.