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                  1  L. Machida

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                    4  Q. Jackson

Match 4                       4 Q. Jackson                                

4   Q. Jackson                                                                 

13  L. Cane                                                                               1  L. Machida

                                                                                                    Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6   A. Nogueira                                                                          3  A. Silva

11  J. Jones                                                                   

Match 5                     11  J. Jones                                

                                       QF3                     3  A. Silva

Match 6                     3  A. Silva                                

3   A. Silva                                      

14 C. Liddell                                     

                                                                    Semi-Final 2                                         

7   T. Silva

10  R. Couture

Match 7                      10  R. Couture

                                        QF4                     2  M. Rua

Match 8                       2  M. Rua

2   M. Rua

15    B. Vera     

Semi-Final #2:  This was an extremely close contest, but despite some backlash, over last Sat's performance, the Spider still managed to squeak out a victory with 52% of the vote.  That means the tournament final is set, and for the 1st time, we will see Teammate vs Teammate for the UFC LHW title.... 

Tournament Championship:  So it has come to this.  Skill vs skill.  Striking vs counter-striking vs counter-counter-striking.  Both men bring amazing skillsets and unique abilities.  This is a match-up we will likely never see, but would love to watch.  Machida vs Silva for all the marbles....

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Who will be crowned Tournament Champion?  You decide.