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                                                                   

                                                                                                    Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6   A. Nogueira                                                                   

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     

Quarterfinal #4:  Looks like experience and gamplanning can only take you so far, as the UFC hall of famer was turned away by Shogun to the tune of 78% of the vote, Rua moves on and completes the Final Four.  Up 1st, the Semi-Final slobberknocker between Machida and Rampage...

Semi-Final #1:  This is a classic showdown between the "Energy Drink Outlaw" and the "King of Urine Smoothies."  Machida brings a graceful and elusive style, while Jackson comes with a down and dirty in-your-face attack.  Seems doubtful that this one would find its way to a decision...  

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