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                       4 Q. Jackson                                

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 #4:  Rampage easily advances to the quarter finals after receiving 82% of the vote.  Despite the long layoff, the Maniacs felt Jackson's skillset was just to much for Bahna to handle.  Quinton now moves on to face his arch nemesis Sugar Rashad in the biggest grudge match of the tournament....

Match #5:  After last night's performance, I think this could be one of the closest votes of the tourney.  With a dominating performance against Vera, Jones has proven the hype is much deserved, and he is ready to step up against the best in the division.  Luckily for us, that is exactly what he gets in the form of Lil Nog.  Rogerio is one of the best LHWs in the world, and also one of the most well rounded.  This fight should be nothing less than explosive.  Two of the most exciting fighters in the division, both on very hot streaks....

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