Anderson Silva leaving middleweight division?

Your obligatory crazy rumor after UFC 101 is Anderson Silva contemplating a permanent move to the light heavyweight division while abandoning the middleweight title. Wow.

While there is a great deal of speculation regarding the possible move WKR thinks that a move to light heavyweight would most likely come next year. The UFC still needs main events for UFC 105 and 106 and a Silva-Henderson middleweight title bout would be perfect. 

Now if Silva were to immediately abandon the middleweight division the UFC would need a legit top-ten light heavyweight for Anderson to fight this year. After all Silva did just beat the #4 ranked light heavyweight. Realistically the top of the UFC's 205lbs. division is all tied up at the moment. The only possible match-ups would be the winner of Thaigo Silva-Keith Jardine. 

There is another possibility though and WKR is loathed to admit it. Anderson could fight Wanderlei Silva at light heavyweight or a catch-weight of 195lbs. But Wanderlei is suppose to be moving down in weight so this could create some headaches. 

Besides as long as Lyoto Machida is champion Anderson won't fight him making a move to light heavyweight seem anti-climatic. 

Also, if Anderson really does move up to 205lbs. that would really suck for Rich Franklin. 

[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 08/10/09 12:12 PM EDT ]

I omitted what this would do to a possible mega-bout between George St. Pierre and Silva. Though St. Pierre walked back from a possible bout with Silva after UFC 100 it still looms as a fight that many fans would like to see. 

UFC 101: Declaration coverage