205 shake out
Guys w/ legit title contention
Jackson, Forrest, Machida, Thiago
Guys 1-3 fights from title contention
Liddel, Wandy, Jardine, Franklin
Outside looking in
Bonnar, Vera, Hamil, Shogun
The only person I'd give a title shot to right now is either Forrest or the Machida/Thiago winner. Since we are all pretty sure Forrest isn't getting an immediate title shot lest assume its the latter
I think the Jardine/Jackson winner should fight Forrest. You get a needed rematch scenario either way with the winner earning a title shot at the Machida/Thiago vs Rashad fight.
Lets just say that Chuck beats Shogun and Franklin fights Wandy. I'd still put Chuck/Wandy/Franklin 2 fights away from a title shot. They would need a win over 2 of these Jardine/Jackson/Machida/Thiago/Rashad. If Franklin were to beat Wandy and face the winner of Chuck/Shogun then I think a win over either of the previously mentioned 5 would work.
Shogun would need a 2005 type showing against Chuck and at least 2 more quality LHW before he is even in title contention. I know Bonnar is on the comback trail and a win over Vera or Hamil would be a good stepping stone. Throw in a rematch with Jardine and he too would be 1-3 fights away.
The wild card is obviously Anderson Silva deciding to take more LHW fights. I think against the right Champ (not machida) he instantly gets the nod and the division gets that much more exciting. If GSP wins against Penn I don't think Silva makes the jump any time soon.
Most bad government has grown out of too much government. Thomas Jefferson
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