Hector Lombard targeted for August return to the Octagon

By Tom Taylor - June 7, 2017

On August 19, on a to-be-announced card that is expected to occur in Seattle, Washington, former Bellator middleweight king and one-time welterweight contender Hector Lombard will step back into the Octagon in what looks like a make or break fight. His opponent will not be Vitor Belfort as he previously called for, but towering middleweight finisher Anthony Smith.

Hector Lombard

This news was first reported by MMAJunkie.com.

Though he was once considered one of the best middleweights on earth, Lombard will enter this fight on a three-fight losing streak. The first of these losses saw him blow an early lead to be TKO’d by Neil Magny at welterweight. The second saw him knocked senseless by a Dan Henderson elbow. The third and most recent saw him lose a close decision to former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks. These losses were preceded by a defeat of Joshua Burkman, which was changed to no contest when Lombard failed a drug test. Lombard’s overall record stands at 34-7-1 (2), while his UFC record is a disappointing 3-5-0 with one no contest.

Anthony Smith fights Hector Lombard

Smith, meanwhile, will enter this fight on an impressive two-fight streak. In his last two bouts, the 6’4 middleweight has defeated Elvis Mutapcic by TKO and most recently, Andrew Sanchez with a thudding, head-kick induced knockout. His most recent loss occurred in July of 2016 when he was outpointed by Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira. This decision loss was preceded by an eight-fight win-streak. Just two of Smith’s 27 pro wins have come by way of decision. The rest have been stoppages. He is 27-12 overall.

Though this August 19 card has not yet been announced by the UFC, it is expected to be UFC 215. It is also expected to include the potentially history-making eleventh title defense of UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Mighty Mouse Johnson – though Johnson’s recent gripes with the promotion have cast doubt on this possibility.

Do you think Hector Lombard can get back on track against Anthony Smith?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/7/2017.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM


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Hector Lombard