The Incredibly Crowded UFC Light Heavyweight Division Title Picture

Before Saturday night, the plan in the light heavyweight division was simple - Chuck Liddell would beat Rashad Evans at UFC 88, setting up a "mega" fight between Liddell and Forrest Griffin for the UFC light heavyweight title in late December. However, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry - Liddell was knocked out cold, and now Rashad Evans will be taking on Forrest Griffin for the title.

The light heavyweight division is by far the deepest (in terms of talent) in the UFC. Here are the light heavyweight fighers who are either in the title picture or just outside of it:

Forrest Griffin - the light heavyweight champion.

Rashad Evans - the number one contender after his knockout victory of Chuck Liddell. Evans is still undefeated, and according to Dana White, will get the title shot against Forrest Griffin in late December.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson - will likely fight Wanderlei Silva at UFC 91. A victory against Silva would certainly put Jackson in line for another shot at the title.

Rich Franklin - following his impressive victory against Matt Hamill on Saturday night, Franklin is a victory or two away from a shot at the title himself. Franklin is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC, a fact that won't be lost on Dana White.

Mauricio Rua - considered by many to be one of the top light heavyweights in the world. He is a year removed from his last fight (a loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 76), so he will need to fight his way back into contention.

Lyoto Machida - still undefeated. Unfortunately for Machida, nobody wants to fight him. He is seen by fans as being a "boring" fighter, which will likely keep him out of the title picture for a long time.

Chuck Liddell - still a big draw, however I have a hard time imagining a scenario in which Liddell would be fighting for the title again. Will he retire? Will he move up to heavyweight? Or will he remain at light heavyweight and fight "big" matches (such as a possible fight against Anderson Silva) that have no title implications?

Anderson Silva - let's not forget that Silva destroyed James Irvin in his first light heavyweight title. Silva has stated that he wants to fight a "big" match at light heavyweight. If Silva doesn't face any challenges at middleweight, will he eventually make the permanent jump to the talent-rich light heavyweight division?

Wanderlei Silva - extremely popular fighter who could certainly elevate his status by defeated Quinton Jackson at UFC 91 (if they fight). I would love to see a Forrest Griffin / Wanderlei Silva fight for the title, and I'm sure that other fans would like to see it too.

Dan Henderson - far removed from the title picture right now. He needs to keep notching wins in order to elevate his status within the division. Henderson may be hurt by the fact that so many of his fights go to a decision (similar to Machida).

Other names that are on the periphery of the light heavyweight title picture include: Keith Jardine, Thiago Silva and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.

As you can clearly see, the light heavyweight division in the UFC has an embarassment of riches. Assuming that Forrest Griffin gets past Rashad Evans in December, I'm very curious to see who the UFC puts against Griffin in his next title fight.

Play Poker - Receive a $600 Bonus