Reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (photo via UFC.com)

By Michael Hatamoto

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will reportedly defend his title sometime this spring, according to UFC President Dana White.

White shared his thoughts during a post-UFC 158 media scrum yesterday in Canada:

“Spring… he wants to fight in the spring.  That’s what we’re doing right now, we’re figuring out his next fight.  You know, a couple of months ago there was a bunch of (contenders), Weidman gets hurt, he’s out for a year.  But, we’ll figure it out.”

Silva most recently defended his middleweight title last July, picking up an impressive TKO win against Chael Sonnen at UFC 148.  Just for his own personal amusement, Silva entered the octagon at UFC 153 and handily destroyed Stephan Bonnar, winning by TKO in the first round.

Silva’s camp has requested a fight against Rockhold in a champion vs. champion fight, according to Brazilian MMA media.

The UFC has a tough challenge to decide who fights Silva next, as Weidman won’t be prepared by the spring.  There are increased rumors former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans might make a middleweight debut against Silva – but that’s assuming Evans beats Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 156 next month.

Recent losses by Michael Bisping, Alan Belcher and Tim Boetsch have further complicated the UFC’s plans, with Silva only interested in exciting fights.  A potential rematch with Dan Henderson doesn’t seem likely, even if the former PRIDE superstar wins against Lyoto Machida at UFC 157.

The UFC could try to pull a fast one on casual MMA fans by matching Silva up with Cung Le or Strikeforce middleweight champion Rockhold, though both matchups would almost certainly end with Silva’s hand being raised after a lackluster fight.