Bodog Beat

Japanese grappling master Yushin Okami could be Anderson Silva's next opponent.

After beating Dan Henderson (22-7-0) at UFC 82: Pride of a Champion, mixed martial arts fans are wondering who is left for UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (23-4-0) to fight.

The most reasonable answer is Japanese fighter Yushin Okami (22-4-0), who beat Silva in January of 2006 at Rumble on The Rock 8 as part of a 175-pound tournament.

During that match, Okami tackled Silva to the mat but was knocked out by an illegal up-kick to the head. Because Okami had his knees on the mat, he was considered a "downed opponent". Since kicking the head of a downed opponent is illegal, Silva was disqualified.

Now, it looks like the Brazilian striker will get the chance to avenge his last loss.

"When I fought Okami the rules really weren’t explained to me properly in the event I was fighting in," Silva said after defeating Henderson."If that’s what the UFC thinks to have me face him, I would face him."

Okami, who knocked out Evan Tanner (32-7-0) at UFC 82, also said he was willing to take the fight but isn't in any rush to meet Silva a second time.

"If they feel I am ready for a title shot, I’d be honored," he said about fighting Silva in the octagon. "If they want me to take on another tough opponent before getting a shot at the belt, then that’s what I’ll do."

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