This go-round we will again be switching up the tournament format.  Unlike the LW thru MW divisions, there really isn't  a clear cut, dominant world beater in the Light Heavyweight class.  Since Chuck Liddell ruled the division from 2004 - 2006, the LHW championship has essentially been a revolving door, as no one has managed to successfully defend the title more than 1 time (Machida will be the next to have that opportunity).  For that reason, I have included the current LHW Champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida in this tournament.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   L. Machida

16 K. Jardine

Match1                        1  L. Machida

                                         QF1                  Winner QF1

Match 2                       9  R. Franklin

8   F. Griffin                                       

9   R. Franklin                                                                                                      

                                                                   Semi-Final 1

5    R. Evans                                                                 

12  R. Bader                                                                    

Match 3                       Winner 5/12                              

                                        QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                       Winner 4/13                                 

4   Q. Jackson                                                                 

13  L. Cane                                                                   

                                                                                                    Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6   A. Nogueira                                                                   

11  J. Jones                                                                   

Match 5                     Winner 6/11                                 

                                       QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                     Winner 3/14                                 

3   A. Silva                                      

14 C. Liddell                                     

                                                                    Semi-Final 2                                         

7   T. Silva

10  R. Couture

Match 7                      Winner 7/10

                                        QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                      Winner 2/15

2   M. Rua

15    B. Vera     

Match #2:  Griffin fought to the bitter end, but it seems Rich had an "Ace" up his sleeve.  Franklin comes away with the victory earning 55% of the vote.  This sets up a big second round showdown between Rich and The Dragon. 

Match #3:  Despite the considerable distance between their respective seeds, I see Bader/Evans as a very even match-up.  Evans has a speed / lateral movement advantage and technical standup.  But I would say Bader has a slight edge in the wrestling and strength departments.  So..., either someone is going to sleep in this one, or we are destined for a somewhat boring decision.  The winner of this one will await either Rampage or Cane...

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.