With UFC deal official, Hector Lombard calls out middleweight champ Anderson Silva

[No More Sorrow]

Well that didn't take long.

With the ink barely dry on his new UFC deal, former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) made his intentions perfectly clear.

"I want to be UFC middleweight champion, and I want to fight Anderson Silva to do it," Lombard stated. "I have such respect for him as a fighter. It would be an honor and a dream come true to test my skills against his."

Lombard originally announced the deal on Tuesday, and UFC officials today confirmed the new contract. The former Bellator champ vacated the belt to migrate to the UFC.

The UFC nearly brought the 34-year-old Lombard into the fold in 2007, but visa issues halted the possible debut at UFC 78. He's since fought primarily for Bellator and regional promotions in Australia. With Bellator, he he won a season-one tournament, made one title defense, and also won four non-title fights after winning the belt.

"I've wanted to fight in the UFC all my career," Lombard stated. "I wouldn't be in the UFC if I didn't think I could win the UFC world title."

A Cuban native and former Olympic judoka, Lombard trains with American Top Team. He currently boasts an incredible 25-fight win streak. A UFC debut date and opponent have yet to be named.

Silva, of course, is currently slated to fight Chael Sonnen in the main event of July's UFC 148 fight card. ​

​

 

[The Cork]

Put him against Stann, lets see how good his 'amazing hands' are.

Got a feeling he'll end that winning streak ala Jake Shields when he first came in the UFC.

 

[No More Sorrow]

Winner of Vitor / Wandy would be good; same with winner of Bisping / Boetch. Ultimately think it'll be Brian Stann or something though.

 

[Slim]

It would be nice to see him against Bisping as a "Number one contender" fight that is if Bisping defeats Boetch. That way there can be a real good gauging of his talents and skills against UFC caliber fighters. Then from there we can properly see how he could possibly do against Silva.

 

[No More Sorrow]

I was also thinking that he and Rousimar Palhares could have a decent fight too. But from what I've read his likely first opponent in the UFC will be Brian Stann maybe they can even put that fight on UFC 147 or something to give that card a decent fight.

Stann beat Sakara by KO in the first round last month at UFC on Fuel and didn't take any damage really and Lombard hasn't fought since November.