UFC on FX 5 results recap: What's next for Antonio Silva?

It's all over!

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) delivered another solid evening of mixed martial arts (MMA) action to its fans, as UFC on FX 5 was showcased LIVE from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Oct. 5, 2012.

The main event featured two massive heavyweights going toe-to-toe, when Travis Browne squared off against Antonio Silva, who isn't nicknamed "Bigfoot" for no reason.

Don't let anyone tell you different -- size matters.

It started off with Browne landing some big punches and kicks, and trying to land some unorthodox strikes. Things were going good for "Hapa," until he planted awkwardly on his left knee, while throwing an overhand right, and he just wasn't the same afterward.

Silva did his best to capitalize, rushing forward, dirtying things up, and then eventually landing a big right hand that sent the immobilized Browne to the canvas, resulting in a knockout victory for "Bigfoot."

The win was a surprise to many, and it certainly complicates the UFC heavyweight title mix. Here's why:

Most ranking systems have the world's MMA heavyweights lined up in the following order:

1. Junior dos Santos
2. Cain Velasquez
3. Alistair Overeem
4. Fabricio Werdum
5. Daniel Cormier

I can't really argue with any of that (though there are one or two swaps that are debatable), but there a few problems that are currently gumming up the works.

First off, we have no idea what's going on with Cormier, and the Zuffa brass don't seem to be in any hurry to let us know what their solution will be. As everyone knows, "DC" was originally slated to take on Frank Mir in November. Unfortunately, Mir was injured and no replacement has been named.

Werdum has offered to fill the slot, but for some reason, that's not a fight that has been confirmed.

Overeem will be able to re-apply for his fight license in December, and if all goes well, he'll be able to get back into the Octagon in early 2013. Many feel that "The Reem" will get a title shot versus the winner of Junior dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez (part 2) at UFC 155 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Dec. 29, 2012.

So, in a lot of ways, the entire "Top 5" is currently entangled in one thing or another.

In addition, Silva has lost to three of those five fighters, so him even fighting someone in that group is probably not an honor that he's yet earned.

In my mind, there really are only a few options. Mir is an option, just because of where he sits in the rankings, as well as the fact that he and Silva have never fought, so it makes for a marketable fight. But, he's coming off a loss, and the UFC generally doesn't like to match up winners and losers.

Some would like to see Silva take on Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, should he be able to best Dave Herman at UFC 153. If he wins, I could see that being a compelling match up as well.

Finally, I think the most interesting pairing might be versus Stefan Struve, who is coming off a big win over Stipe Miocic at UFC on FUEL TV 5. Silva just beat the man who last beat "The Skyscraper," so some would see them fighting as a step down for Silva.

Point taken, but I have a hard time believing that Struve isn't a more competitive fight for Silva than the 2012 versions of Mir and Nogueira.

Speaking of competitive, it's your turn to compete. In the comment section below, make your best argument for who Antonio Silva's next opponent in the Octagon should be.

Weigh in!

For more on the fight between Antonio Silva vs. Travis Browne click here, here and here.