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                       5  R. Evans                             

                                        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 #3:  Rashad cruises through to the quarter finals on the strength of 65% of the vote.  Although Bader has continued to improve with each outing, Evans proved to have to many tools and too much experience for young gun. Evans now awaits a potential grudge match with Rampage, if he can 1st take care of Cane in Match #4.

Match #4:  This fight will see the return of Jackson following a long layoff while filming the A team movie.  No one questions Rampage's talents, but there are concerns regarding his motivation and dedication to the game.  Since entering the UFC, Quinton has been unpredictable in his performances.  His debut against Eastman was less than impressive, but he easily destroyed the Iceman at the peak of his star.  He then thoroughly handled a game Dan Henderson, before dropping the title to Forrest.  He then quickly put the Axe Murderer to sleep, only to squeak by Jardine by the slimmest of margins.  Couple all this with his habit of letting himself go between training camps, and you are left with a talented fighter whose performance is essentially unpredictable.   In Luiz Cane he will face a dangerous and technical striker with excellent Muay Thai, and legit BJJ.  Bahna was among the top contenders in the division, before he ran into Lil Nog.  Following that loss, he will be looking to right the ship and get back into the title hunt.  Unfortunately for him, Rampage is no easy draw when trying to get back on the winning track.

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