What next for 'The Spider':

Anderson Silva eyes "4 or 5" more octagon battles before retirement.

At UFC 208 in Brooklyn, New York, Brazilian favourite Anderson Silva took on promising Middleweight contender Derek Brunson, with the winner firmly instating themselves into title contention. After multiple takedowns from Brunson, and notable strikes in the clinch, Silva was handed in what was in my opinion, a surprising unanimous decision by the judges. Silva often pushed the pace after Brunson refused to lead, but didn't land anything significant in my opinion, and his most impressive engagements in the three round bout was his undeniable takedown denials. Silva managed to stuff 8 of explosive wrestler Brunson's takedown attempts, but was out struck throughout, and on two occasions found himself on his back. I personally believe Brunson should have picked up the win, and I can't really see a claim for a unanimous win in favour of 'The Spider'. Nevertheless, the former Middleweight king came away with the victory, and his next bout may have huge implications on the G.O.A.T.'s future.

Robert Whittaker battle: A reasonable bout for the 41 year-old Brazilian would be a possible main event slot alongside #6 ranked 185lbs contender Robert Whittaker. Both men have previous wins over Derek Brunson, with Whittaker impressively stopping the American in their first round meeting. Hungry prospect Whittaker would offer Silva another standup battle and a win for the Aussie would catapult him into Middleweight stardom. 'The Reaper' has only tasted defeat twice in his UFC career, losing to Court McGee and to UFC 209 Welterweight title challenger Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson, so a win over Silva would do wonders for the striker.

Vitor Belfort or Kelvin Gastelum: With both men facing at UFC Fight Night Forteleza, the winner facing Anderson Silva in their next bout wouldn't be out of the question. A win for 'The Phenom' would offer him a chance at redemption over Silva, who's highlight reel front kick KO of Belfort is recognisable the mixed-martial arts world over. Gastelum, a slick boxer, would offer a similar bout to a Whittaker matchup. Gastelum has some of the best footwork in the UFC, and is a supreme wrestler, fresh off a comfortable knockout win over Tim Kennedy. Very dangerous matchup for 'The Spider'.

Luke Rockhold matchup: A very likely Middleweight battle would be for Luke Rockhold to reinstate himself into title talk against Anderson Silva. Both men are phenomenal strikers, Silva so precise and fluid, while former title holder Rockhold, has impressive kicks in his arsenal and a nasty boxing background. Rockhold is also a hugely underestimated and underrated grappler, who holds 9 wins via submission, and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the highly regarded Leandro Viera.

Michael Bisping redemption: If Cuban wrestler Yoel Romero overcomes Michael 'The Count' Bisping in their Middleweight title bout later this year, Silva may be issued an opportunity at redemption against Manchester's Bisping. When the two squared off last year in Britain, controversy once more surrounded a Silva showcase. Hometown hero Michael Bisping, picked up a hugely dubious unanimous decision win, despite being dropped by Silva at the very end of the third round, after losing his mouthpiece. Bisping pointed for Herb Dean to pick up his piece as Silva came rushing in with a flying knee, dropping the Englishman and climbing atop the octagon, in celebration. Moments later Dean ushered Silva down, claiming the fourth round still awaited. An emotionally distraught Silva went on to loss a decision to Bisping, despite the contest seeming concluded. Bisping famously went on to win the Middleweight title, stepping in on short notice at UFC 199 to knockout Luke Rockhold in the pairs rematch. An intriguing rematch may await.

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