Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: What should the UFC do with the middleweight division after Bisping-Stann and Weidman-Boetsch?
Sep 19, 2012 - 1:30:20 PM ROUNDTABLE: What should the UFC do with the middleweight division after Bisping-Stann and Weidman-Boetsch?

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With Michael Bisping vs. Brian Stann at UFC 152 and Chris Weidman vs. Tim Boetsch coming this December, what should the UFC do with the middleweight division depending on the results of those fights and whether or not Anderson Silva fights GSP in early 2013?


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I think GSP vs. Silva is a fait accompli, even if Carlos Condit defeats GSP at UFC 154 this November. As a result I think we are likely to see Michael Bisping take on Chris Weidman in the late winter/early spring with the winner of that fight leaving no doubt that they deserve the next shot.

That said, if GSP vs. Silva doesn't go down, I think that the winner of Weidman vs. Boetsch has the more valid cllaim to the title shot that will be unjustly given to Michael Bisping.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I would have the winner of Bisping vs. Stann and Weidman vs. Boetsch fight each other, with the winner of that fight getting a title shot. I don't think any of these four guys has done enough to put themselves head and shoulders above anyone else just yet. Match them up, tournament style and settle it that way. Make whoever gets the title shot earn it.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Well, of the four, Bisping has had the best fight with perennial top contender Chael Sonnen, but I'm not sure if I believe he will get past Stann. Brian Stann is an animal on the ground with fists that make ambien look like it actually wakes you up. Which Michael Bisping shows up is the biggest factor in that fight, but i have Stann taking the win. On the other side I don't know how I feel either, if Weidman gets past Boetsch he could be in line for a shot, but if Silva takes a fight with GSP the winners can fight each other to see who will lose to Silva in the next title bout, because I don't believe for an instant that any of those four men, or GSP for that matter, are going to beat Anderson Silva.


ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

The UFC needs a huge beginning and end to 2013 after a disappointing 2012. Injuries have gutted many recent events. The Anderson Silva vs. GSP fight gives the UFC and MMA in general a great start in 2013. That fight will break PPV records and even the most casual fan will be interested in the outcome. It is also a huge pay day for the fighters and the UFC. I do not see a reasonable scenario in which that fight does not happen. I think the Michael Bisping vs. Brian Stann bout at UFC 152 and Chris Weidman vs. Tim Boetsch coming this December, sets up a massive fight for the winners of each of these matches and establishes a legitimate number one contender fight. The number one contender fight for the middleweights will give Anderson Silva time to recover from the GSP fight. Looking ahead, that could potentially set up a summer fight against the number one contender at middleweight (I think this will be against Chris Weidman). I think Silva will beat GSP and the number one contender at middleweight. This then sets up the largest PPV fight ever with Silva vs. Jon Jones late in 2013. If all this, happens this will be one of the best years ever for the UFC and MMA.


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

If Silva does end up fighting GSP in 2013, then it makes sense to match up the winners of Bisping-Stann and Weidman-Boetsch in early 2013. If it doesn’t happen - and this is from a biased English perspective - I really hope Bisping gets the next title shot after he wins this weekend.

The scheduling of Boetsch vs. Weidman works to the advantage of Bisping or Stann. Silva could potentially be ready to fight on Super Bowl weekend, which won’t be enough preparation time for Weidman or Boetsch. That would leave a clear path for Michael Bisping to get the title shot he doesn’t actually deserve, but I won’t be complaining!