Ex-Bellator middleweight champ and UFC fighter Hector Lombard has signed on with bare knuckle boxing outfit BKFC.
The latest MMA talent signed by Bare Knuckle FC is former Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard. In a press release distributed Tuesday, BKFC announced the news, introducing Lombard as “first-ever Olympian to sign with BKFC.” The 41-year old ‘Showeather’ represented his native Cuba in the 2000 Olympic Games.
Lombard (34–10–1, 2NC) never really panned out in the UFC, after joining the company following a successful stint in Bellator MMA. One of Bellator’s early stars, Lombard won the inaugural 185lb title there in 2009, in the finale of their Season 1 tournament. He then made the jump to the UFC in 2012, but dropped a split decision to Tim Boetsch in his debut. He’d go on to amass a 3-2 record through his first five UFC bouts, but his sixth saw him test positive for anabolic steroids.
Following his return from suspension, Lombard was never the same, losing his last six bouts, including a DQ loss against C.B. Dollaway.
Lombard has not fought since September 2018. Still, he’ll follow a large number of aging MMA stars to bare knuckle boxing, which is at least offering a last payday or two.
“Hector Lombard is one of the most devastating punchers in MMA history and we are looking for Hector to make a huge splash with BKFC,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman in Tuesday’s press release. “As a fan, I cannot wait to see how Hector does in the squared circle. He’s exciting and explosive. This is an incredible signing.”
“I’ve wanted to fight for this amazing organization for a while and I’m excited that it’s all come together,” said Lombard, who will compete in the 185-pound light heavyweight division. “Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is the next level of fighting and I am glad to be part of it.”
No debut date or opponent for Lombard has been provided as of yet.
