UFC on FX 6: Does a Hector Lombard Victory Put Him Back in Title Talks?

Not long ago, Hector Lombard was in Bellator, but was still considered to be a guy that could challenge Anderson Silva for his UFC Middleweight Championship immediately.

One fight in the UFC later, and fans in the UFC have forgotten about the former dominance Lombard displayed.

Lombard's loss to Tim Boetsch was a bit of a clunker fight and not representative of what he brings to the table. The Cuban-Australian fighter did not look to be himself when he made his debut at UFC 149 in Calgary.

However, if Octagon jitters are a real thing and Lombard went into that fight injured, we have yet to see the best Hector Lombard in the Octagon.

Consider this. Lombard is a Olympic bronze medalist in judo, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and a power puncher who has the ability to shatter a jaw with a single blow.

Lombard's high-class judo gives him the ability to execute great takedowns and defend his opposition's takedowns. Though he doesn't execute takedowns often because of his powerful striking, it is a skill on the back burner that can be used at any time.

Now consider Rousimar Palhares, Lombard's opponent. Palhares is a jiu-jitsu ace and a master of leg locks.

It is a taylor-made matchup for Lombard, as Palhares most likely does not have the takedown chops to get Lombard on his back. If this fight is contested on the feet, as I expect it to be, Lombard will have a field day.

Palhares's stand-up technique has improved and he has a good chin, but Lombard has power you cannot acquire. It is a natural power that makes most people hesitant to stand and exchange strikes.

If Lombard wins, will he be back in title talks? I would say yes, as a win over Palhares is a huge win for anybody.

However, he will still need another impressive win or two to be considered to challenge for the gold. Lombard is an impressive talent with main-event capabilities.