When most people are asked who about the best in the lightweight division, BJ Penn’s name is often uttered. If asked who is the lightweight of the year, most might not respond with the name Forrest Griffin. However, Nick Colon of Bleacerreport.com wouldn’t be one of those respondents. Colon contends that Griffin is indeed the lightweight of the year.

As the only man to ever beat Urijah Faber, Colon presents a somewhat solid argument. This past year, Marcus Aurelio and Gleison Tibau both fell victim to Griffin whose only career loss came courtesy of Frank Edgar. Now, Griffin may not have wowed the masses with the most highly regarded opponents in the lightweight division but he is building toward being one of the top contenders.

He still may have to wait a few fights before he gets a title shot, however Griffin is doing everything necessary in order to get there. Lightweight of the future could be a better way to describe Grifffin, although he has turned in a solid year in the division.

In the days leading up to UFC 86, there were whispers that the event didn’t seem to have the billing to live up to they hype. However, Saturday night’s card silenced those whispers. The Forrest Griffin vs. Rampage Jackson bout became an instant classic, but there were some other bouts that also enabled pay-per-viewers to get their money’s worth.

Patrick Cote improved to 14-4 with a split decision victory over Ricardo Almeida in what was probably the closest fight of the night. Cote edged out Almeida 29-28 on a pair of judge’s scorecards while Almeida won the remaining judge’s favor wit the same exact score. Joe Stevenson choked out Gleison Tibau while Josh Koscheck and Tyson Griffin both cruised to impressive victories. Here is a rundown of the final results from UFC 86:

Forrest Griffin def. Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 49-46)
Patrick Cote def. Ricardo Almeida via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Joe Stevenson def. Gleison Tibau via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 2, 2:57
Josh Koscheck def. Chris Lytle via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 30-28)
Tyson Griffin def. Marcus Aurelio via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Gabriel Gonzaga def. Justin McCully via submission (kimura) — Round 1, 1:57
Cole Miller def. Jorge Gurgel via submission (triangle choke) — Round 3, 4:48
Melvin Guillard def. Dennis Siver via TKO (punches) — Round 1, 0:36
Justin Buchholz def. Corey Hill via submission (rear naked choke) — Round 2, 3:57.

It may have only been fiction, but it was still a riveting scene as the Roman Coliseum chanted the name of “Maximus” after the Gladiator had emerged victorious on his field of battle. Although that field of battle will be quite a different one tonight in Las Vegas, Marcus “Maximus” Aurelio will hope to hear similar cheers.

Aurelio is one of the young up and coming fighters who could make a lot of noise in the future. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is dangerous in every facet of the game, but will still have to be at his best as he squares off against Tyson Griffin.

The bout could, in fact, wind up being one of the most exciting of the night. While many believe Quinton Jackson will rampage through Forrest Griffin, opinions are split regarding the Aurelio-Griffin affair. However, one thing is for certain. Aurelio will be prepared when he steps into the octagon for the fourth time. He carries with him a 16-5 professional record while holding a 2-1 mark in the UFC.

MMA Weekly caught up with “Maximus” to discuss tonight’s match-up.