The bleacher report is very wrong in its viewpoint that Jackson does not deserve a title shot with a win over Jardine.

Jackson and Griffin should have been an immediate rematch. It was a controverisal decision that transfered the title. The rematch would be happening next were it not for the fact that Griffin could not hold on to the title in his first defense. That being said an additional win by Jackson definately earns him a new chance to regain his title. With a win or two more Griffin can challenge for the title again. Then it could be a rematch with Evans or Jackson if either can hold the title.

As for Machida, he is a talented fighter. He has beaten a few names but the only former champions he beat were an old Tito in a close decision and BJ Penn in a huge size differential. Thiago was a nice knockout of a young up-and-comer. I would like to see him matched against one of these former champions before he gets a title shot. Maybe Lidell, Silva, Griffin, Henderson, Franklin, Loser of Evans and Jackson. Liddell and Silva are probably on the same career level as Tito was when he fought Machida but still I want to see him fight more of this level before a shot is given. You also have Vera and Jardine that would be quality opposition for Machida. Besides Sobrol had an eight year win streak running before he got his title shot against Lidell.

As for what fight fans want to see. They want to see technical fights but as you can tell from the boos they want to see exciting fights. Machida is a smart, powerfull fighter but he is not much in the way of excitement. These other guys all bring the fighting ability as well but they also have that star power that draws the casual observer in as well.

At the end of the day these guys are all excellent fighters. You cannot go wrong matching any of them to fight any of the others. The reason boxing has declined and this sport has exploded is these guys fight each other for 1 title in each weight class. Boxing presents so many trinket belts and the champions seldom have unifying matches each boxer has his own promoter. Since the UFC produces all of its fights the matchups will continue. Oh and the small gloves and kicks generally produces more sudden finishes!

One more important note:
We will not see a true Heavyweight Champ in the UFC until White is able to sign Fedor. It may cost, but the best fighters in the world at the other weight classes are in the UFC. To make this continue to be the best fighting organization you have to have all of the best fighters.