Fronted by Luke Thomas.

It's not breaking news that the UFC's light heavyweight division is laden with talent.  While all this talent makes for some tough decisions by the UFC brass, the current situation will provide fans with some great matches.  Sam Caplan describes it:

Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock and Vitor Belfort are just a few of the big names who have competed in marquee fights at light heavyweight. With the exception of Liddell, those names are no longer in the UFC picture, but the promotion still finds itself with the greatest collection of depth at 205 at any point in the sport's history.

The line for a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title is longer than the one waiting for the new iPhone at your local AT&T store. While the stacked division might not be a great thing for the fighters, it's certainly one for fans; we're going to be treated to some amazing matchups at 205 over the next 6-8 months.

One complication for the UFC would be a Rashad Evans victory in his upcoming battle with Chuck Liddell.  While Liddell should take this one, Evans is quite capable.  He's undefeated, after all.  Evans' style is one that doesn't endear him to many fans.  Liddell is the most recognizable figure in the UFC.  A possible match with champion Forrest Griffin would certainly be a big payday for the organization:

If Liddell can defeat Rashad Evans at UFC 88 on Sept. 6, then Griffin vs. Liddell makes a lot of sense as Griffin's first title defense. People like to see stars fight each other, and a bout between the UFC's two most recognizable faces has amazing box office potential.

While there are those who feel a Jackson-Griffin rematch should come first, the business reality is that it makes more sense to do Griffin vs. Liddell and have Jackson face the winner, assuming he can win one fight against a top contender before then.

Then, there is Lyoto Machida.  Machida's is 5-0 in the UFC.  No one has had an answer for his elusive style, thus far.  Much like Evans, a large segment of fans view him as boring.  All except one of Machida's fights in the UFC have gone to decision.  He's effective, but not exciting.  This combination is probably enough to keep Machida away from a title shot any time soon.  However, if he were able to finish his next opponent like he did Sokoudjou, a title bout would be more likely.

Wanderlei Silva jumped back into the picture with his quick knockout of Keith Jardine.  Wanderlei is nothing if not exciting.  A third match between he and Rampage would generate a lot of buzz.  It seems inevitable that these two meet, once again.  Hopefully, it's sooner rather than later. 

There are some wildcards that all have a chance of making a splash in the months to come.  Thiago Silva is a guy who's not well known, but has fought his way into contention with and undefeated record.  Shogun Rua was considered by many to be the best light heavyweight fighter in the world before his abyssmal loss to Forrest Griffin.  A healthy Rua could create problems for anyone in the division.  His fast paced style is one that fans enjoy watching. Like Wanderlei Silva,  Shogun also holds an impressive victory over Rampage Jackson in Pride.

Maybe the most intriguing name in the mix is middleweight champ Anderson Silva.

His all around dominance has overwhelmed all top competitiors in the middleweight division.  Silva's upcoming fight with James Irvin will give some indication as to whether he can successfully implement his brutal style in the light heavyweight division.  Caplan once again:

While he has never competed at 205 pounds, it would be egregious to leave him out of the mix considering he's scheduled to make his light heavyweight debut on July 19. Many people expected Jackson to beat Griffin, prompting rumors that Silva would be Liddell's designated opponent at the year end UFC bash. But with Jackson knocked off the light heavyweight perch, it has given Liddell new life, and suddenly a dream fight between Liddell and Silva doesn't make as much sense as some other matchups do.

If Silva can defeat James Irvin in impressive fashion on the 19th, it could complicate things further in the UFC at 205. But Silva was recently quoted on the Brazilian MMA website Tatame that he feels his countryman Machida is worthy of the next title shot at 205. Out of respect for his friendship with Machida, Silva hinted that his fight at light heavyweight vs. Irvin might be his first and last in the division.

I, for one, don't believe that Silva's recent comments mean that he doesn't intend on taking some more big fights at light heavyweight.  There doesn't seem to be anyone to really challenge him at middleweight.  A fight with Liddell or Rampage would probably be a big hit with hardcore fans.  Depending on the effectiveness of the UFC marketing machine, there could also be interest among casual fans for future Anderson Silva bouts at 205.

Whatever happens, Forrest Griffin has his work cut out for him.  His unlikely ascent to the top of the division was inspiring.  Griffin's ability to hold on to the title will be tested by some of the most formidable competitors in all of MMA.  However the story plays out in the light heavyweight division, the upcoming months of fights should be exciting for MMA fans of all types.