Top MMA Light Heavyweights

The youngest UFC champion in history

The newly crowned champion of the light heavyweight division, Machida has an unblemished record and an elusive style that creates problems for any potential challenger. Using great footwork and accurate striking, Machida was able to demolish previously unbeaten Rashad Evans en route to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) championship. Forrest Griffin, always ready for a fight against the best, has been quoted as saying about the enigmatic Machida, “I want nothing to do with that guy.”

“Sugar” Rashad Evans climbed to the top of the division by displaying more than just solid wrestling. Evans, a star pupil of MMA guru Greg Jackson, developed a dynamic striking game to complement his grappling. Like many top fighters with wrestling backgrounds, Evans uses his wrestling base to dictate where the fight will take place. He is coming off a loss to Machida and will look to make a statement against Quinton Jackson after their stint as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter reality show.

A veteran of many great battles in Pride Fighting Championship, “Rampage” Jackson made his much awaited debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by smashing Marvin Eastman in 2007. He followed that up with a blistering knockout of UFC legend Chuck Liddell. Always good in front of a camera, Rampage will serve his second stint as coach on The Ultimate Fighter reality show against Rashad Evans before meeting in what will likely be a number one contender’s match.

In his own words, Griffin is, “just a dog,” meaning that he will get down and dirty and fight anyone who is placed in front of him. Lucky for Griffin, he also possesses the skills and work-ethic necessary to be a top fighter. Look no further than his victories over “Shogun” Rua and Quinton Jackson as evidence that Griffin is an elite fighter.

Although Silva only has one fight against light heavyweight talent, a victory against James Irvin, his skills immediately place him in the upper echelon of the class. Silva will bring his elite striking and his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt into the cage in a match with Forrest Griffin in August 2009.