Hector Lombard will be tested by the strength and power of Jesse Taylor as he seeks to add another impressive notch on his MMA belt.(Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)
The Bellator and Cage Fighting Championship (CFC) middleweight champ is returning to his second home in The Land Down Under to continue on his trek to MMA glory. “Shango” Hector Lombard (27-2), the dominant champion and American Top Team standout, was recently given the green light from the Bellator brass to compete in the Australian Fighting Championships (AFC) against TUF Season 7, Strikeforce, Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC), and Battlefield veteran “JT Money” Jesse Taylor (14-5) on August 27.
Taylor has been quite busy since his numbered days in the UFC, shuffling between the welterweight, middleweight, and even light heavyweight divisions and going 10-3 since his UFC release including a notable win over Dennis Kang (35-13) via first-round submission. “JT Money’s” confidence surely is at an all-time high, and he will need all of it when he steps into the cage with perhaps his most dangerous opponent to date in Hector Lombard – and on “Shango’s” adopted home turf, nonetheless.
Lombard was last seen in action at Bellator 44 in Atlantic City against “Niko” Falaniko Vitale (28-9) in May. Their headlining match-up showed Lombard at an uncharacteristically slow pace for the first two rounds though he was still winning the fight due to more damaging exchanges and smarter striking, using leg kicks and powerful boxing to keep the taller Vitale off balance. The third round though saw Lombard connect with a solid right hook that left the renowned “Niko” crumpled on the mat.
Taylor will prove a strong test against Lombard, especially in the physical battle of strength but also in the wrestling department. However Lombard’s Judo will surely come through for him and keep the fight where he wants it: on the feet with his hands up.
For further updates on Lombard vs. Taylor, stay tuned to MMAGospel.
The Date is September 3rd.. There seems to be a mix up with dates with a few forums and web sites but i can definatley confirm the date is September 3rd..
Regards,
Adam Milankovic.