Chael Sonnen and Brian Stann are among the front-runners for getting a crack at the UFC's middleweight title according to fightersonlymagazine.co.uk.

The announcement was made by UFC president, Dana White, when he addressed Vitor Belfort's own declaration for a title shot. Despite knocking out Yoshihiro Akiyama within the first round at UFC 133, White states that Belfort is several fights away from contesting for the title again.

Belfort first challenged defending middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 126 for the belt but loss via knockout in the first round.

Contrastingly, the men who are in the mix for the middleweight title shot are Sonnen and Stann. The two are set to battle at UFC 136.

"I think it should be a contender eliminator, we'll see," White said.

Sonnen's name has already gained infamy, both for the TRT controversy after his bout with Silva and his numerous verbal tirades against fighters. At 25-11-1, Sonnen is the last man to defeat Silva in the scorecards for a fight; he won the initial four rounds but was ultimately submitted via triangle choke in the last round at UFC 117.

On the other hand, Stann's image is one of an "All-American". Stann is a former Marine Corp. serviceman who earned the Silver Star for his heroics in battle. Stann built up an 11-3 record in MMA, currently riding a three fight win streak going into his bout with Sonnen. He is also the former light heavyweight champion for the WEC.

The UFC's middleweight title is being held by the eight time defending champion, Silva, who will be contested by Yushin Okami at UFC 134.