The Light Heavyweight Picture

The Light Heavyweight division emerged from UFC 84 with more clarity than before, but still very muddled. Simply put, there is nobody right now who simply deserves an immediate title shot against the winner of Rampage and Forrest. The top half of the contenders includes Wand, Thiago, Machida, Shogun, Liddell, and Rashad Evans. Both Chuck and Shogun are expected to return in September, which is right around the time all the guys who just fought should begin fighting again. Theres also the possibility of Rich Franklin moving to 205, which is very likely in my view considering the place he is in right now at 185.

What matchups do Bloody Elbow readers want to see next? Here are my picks (and why)

Chuck Liddell v. Shogun Rua: This fight was supposed to go down in June, its a fight weve wanted to see for years, and it should be explosive. Plus, either guy fighting Rampage is a great PPV main event.

Rich Franklin v. Lyoto Machida: I think its time for a rematch here. I suspect Lyoto wins this, though I think Rich has the ability to make it close. The story to build the fight is obvious, and it will help to get Machida over more to beat Ortiz and Franklin.

Wanderlei Silva v. Rashad Evans: Ive been waiting to see Rashad get KTFO for a long time and this is the fight. Hes not big enough to hold Wand down the entire fight, especially with Wand now training at Xtreme Couture. Its an interesting styles fight and it will give Wand the opportunity to kill another man. Plus, given the friendship of Rashad and Jardine, they have an interesting angle to hype it up from.

Thiago Silva v. Sokoudjou: Sok lost to Machida, sure, but so will almost everybody else. He just KOed Nakamura, which Shogun and Machida both failed to do. I think he has a very bright UFC future, and suspect he can take this one.

What do you guys want to see?

ID:	7819
Title:	The Light Heavyweight Picture - http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/5/25/536077/the-light-heavyweight-pict
Description:	The Light Heavyweight division emerged from UFC 84 with more clarity than before, but still very muddled. Simply put, there is nobody right now who simply deserves an immediate title shot against the winner of Rampage and Forrest. The top half of the contenders includes Wand, Thiago, Machida, Shogun, Liddell, and Rashad Evans. Both Chuck and Shogun are expected to return in September, which is right around the time all the guys who just fought should begin fighting again. Theres also the possibility of Rich Franklin moving to 205, which is very likely in my view considering the place he is in right now at 185. What matchups do Bloody Elbow readers want to see next? Here are my picks (and why) Chuck Liddell v. Shogun Rua: This fight was supposed to go down in June, its a fight weve wanted to see for years, and it should be explosive. Plus, either guy fighting Rampage is a great PPV main event. Rich Franklin v. Lyoto Machida: I think its time for a rematch here. I suspect Lyoto wins this, though I think Rich has the ability to make it close. The story to build the fight is obvious, and it will help to get Machida over more to beat Ortiz and Franklin. Wanderlei Silva v. Rashad Evans: Ive been waiting to see Rashad get KTFO for a long time and this is the fight. Hes not big enough to hold Wand down the entire fight, especially with Wand now training at Xtreme Couture. Its an interesting styles fight and it will give Wand the opportunity to kill another man. Plus, given the friendship of Rashad and Jardine, they have an interesting angle to hype it up from. Thiago Silva v. Sokoudjou: Sok lost to Machida, sure, but so will almost everybody else. He just KOed Nakamura, which Shogun and Machida both failed to do. I think he has a very bright UFC future, and suspect he can take this one. What do you guys want to see?
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Date Added:	May 26, 2008 01:53:26 AM
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