Hector Lombard says that it was the UFC’s idea for him to shed 15 pounds and join the welterweight division after losing two times as a middleweight.
The Cuban born Aussie revealed the news to mmafighting.com’s Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour.
“That wasn’t my plans, UFC wanted me to go to 170. They believe that I will perform better at 170 than 185. I have to do what the bosses say you know.”
Lombard is currently 1-2 in the UFC after going undefeated in 8 Bellator appearances. Although he hasn’t made the big impact that many were expecting, Lombard still feels confident in the UFC middleweight division.
“If it were up to me I would stay at 185. They say I’m too short for 185 and I would be big at 170.”
Lombard also believes that his upcoming stoush with Nate Marquart at UFC 166 on October 19 is a must win fight in order to keep his UFC career afloat.
“Yeah 100%. But I don’t see myself losing anymore. I honestly don’t see myself losing to Nate.”
The 35 year-old lost to Tim Boetsch in his promotional debut before claiming his one and only UFC victory to date, against Rousimar Palhares, who he defeated with an impressive first round knock out on the Gold Coast. The former CFC middleweight champion last fought at UFC on Fuel TV 8 where he dropped a split points decision to Yoshin Okami.
Lombard was expected to work with nutritionist Mike Dolce in the weight cutting process however now says that scheduling conflicts have ruled that possibility out. Regardless, making 170 pounds doesn’t concern him.
“I’ve been training hard and I think I will able to make it and I think I will be able to perform better in that weight class.”
UFC 166, which will take place at the Toyota Centre in Houston, Texas, will see heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and former champ Junior Dos Santos go head to head for the third time in the main event.
Updated UFC 166 Fight Card
- Cain Velasquez vs Junior Dos Santos – Heavyweight Title Fight
- Hector Lombard vs Nate Marquardt
- Gilbert Melendez vs Diego Sanchez
- Anthony Ferguson vs Mike Rio
