Mark Munoz Thinks He Deserves Title Shot over Hector Lombard

The UFC middleweight division has become shallow largely in part to UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and his dominance, but Mark Munoz is one of the few contenders left standing.

While Silva will make his 11th title defense in a rematch against Chael Sonnen this summer, Munoz will be making his case for a title shot as he prepares for Chris Weidman at UFC on Fuel 4.

"The Filipino Wrecking Machine" might be climbing his way to title contention, but he protests against the idea of having UFC newcomer Hector Lombard receive one before him.

The former Bellator middleweight champion will make his UFC debut this summer when he meets Brian Stann on UFC on Fox 4 in August.

Munoz told AllElbows.com:

"

He's a good fighter and he's already mixing up the water, I mean, he's already doing that. But at the same time, I've been in this organization for over two years (actually over three, just sayin') and I've been earning my stripes. He needs to do the same.

"

It is common for a dominant fighter to earn an immediate title shot after his debut, more due to the lack of competition than a winning streak or previous accolades. 

Silva received the same treatment after defeating Chris Leben in his first matchup, as he knocked him out in just 49 seconds. Lombard could be awarded the same path, should he pick up a victory over Stann.

Munoz has added some credibility to his name since losing to Yushin Okami in 2010 and he believes he should rewarded with a title opportunity over the Cuban middleweight.

Munoz added:

"

I don't think he deserves a title shot. I don't. For me, I've gone to the brink of where I was fighting for a title shot when I fought Yushin (Okami). I lost that fight, but now I'm on a four-fight winning streak, so now I feel like I deserve that fight should I win against Chris Weidman.

"

Lombard does bring in a more intriguing fight against the champion, due to his knockout power, but Munoz also has gained a respectable winning streak over some formidable competition.

In most situations, a veteran who has remained unbeaten in four fights would likely get the nod, but if Lombard is able to get a dominant win in his debut, there is a possibility that a title bout with Silva would have a bigger buyrate.