DaytonDailyNews.com

His win over Dan Henderson in the UFC 82 main event Saturday, March 1, answered one question, but it begs another: UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva is the world's unquestionable top 185-pound fighter, but who's possibly left to challenge him?

The famed Brazilian striker stopped Henderson, a former PRIDE champ and two-time Olympian, via rear-naked choke in front of near-soldout Nationwide Arena.

Silva entered the UFC in 2006, took the belt from Rich Franklin, and has since beaten every top contender the organization has thrown at him.

Henderson was acquired after the UFC purchased and disbanded PRIDE last year, and he had been considered Silva's only legitimate threat. Yet, Silva again forced a victory via stoppage.

So what's next for arguably the top pound-for-pound fighter alive? Options include:

Yushin Okami: Although he's criticized for a sometimes-boring fight style, Okami pushed his UFC record to 6-1 with a stunning KO of Evan Tanner on Saturday. He previously earned a victory over the champ (outside the UFC) when Silva hit him with an illegal kick.

Nate Marquardt: He failed miserably in his first attempt back in July, but his strength — submissions — is Silva's only marginal weakness.

Quinton Jackson: A fight with the UFC's light heavyweight champ would require Silva to move up a weight class and give up a lot of size. The UFC is unlikely to sacrifice one of its champs unless all other options are exhausted.

Rich Franklin: Silva has dominated him twice; a third fight is unlikely. Still, Silva says Franklin has been his toughest challenge in the UFC.

Paulo Filho: A fight with the WEC middleweight champ is a pipe dream. Filho and Silva are training partners and unwilling to fight each other.