It has been a long held notion by many, including myself, that Eddie Alvarez is clearly the best mixed martial artist not currently fighting for Zuffa. However, with each more dominant performance, Bellator's MW Champion, Hector Lombard, is slowly chipping away at that title. The dude is a former Judo Olympian for Cuba. He has a blackbelt in BJJ under Marcus Silveira. And he has absolutely devastating, one-punch KO power in both hands. His stocky frame and judo base make him almost impossible to take down. And his powerful knees and punches make it a risky proposition to even try. Keeping it standing isn't a much better option as his granite chin and explosive power pose a legitimate threat to anyone at 185. Lombard's most glaring shortfall would seem to be his height and reach. He is only 5'9" with a midget-like 67' reach. <iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JH1Vb_tPM5E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
cuban athletes are something else. we see a lot of boxers defecting, but not so much w/ greco wrestlers and judokas. this guy seems legit. not sure what it is, but judo guys in japan don't appear to want to pursue a career in mma. maybe because it deviates from their tradition, but i think judo's one of the best, effective combat sports.
They aren't very good. Satoshi Ishii was basically the creme de la creme of Japanese judo and he was mediocre and no one liked him.
I thought you were pretty high on Lombard. I was going to eat a little crow because he has continued to impress like I thought you told me he would.
i heard teddy riner might turn to mma after the 2012 olympics. he's a big athletic guy, so it's going to be interesting how well he transitions.
well in his defense, he fought an experienced guy in his debut and got beat up. hasn't lost since, but you're right, he hasnt been impressive nor is fun to watch. he actually competed in judo for the first time since the olympics a few weeks ago in florida during the u.s. national championships. he won all of his matches via ippon in less than 30 sec or so.
That's probably what impresses me most about Lombard. He has evolved and become a far better striker. I re-watched his fight with Mousasi and he was 100% looking for clinches and judo throws. Now he's a well rounded guy that can knock you out or toss you around like a rag doll.
oh did he? no wonder why he competed in the u.s tourney last month. i read that he might want to join the u.s squad to represent them in london next year.
