Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has signed the former Bellator middleweight champion and UFC veteran Hector Lombard according to a press release from the promotion on Tuesday.
“I’ve wanted to fight for this amazing organization for a while and I’m excited that it’s all come together,” Lombard said in a press release. “Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is the next level of fighting and I am glad to be part of it.”
“Hector Lombard is one of the most devastating punchers in MMA history and we are looking for Hector to make a huge splash with BKFC,” said BKFC founder and President David Feldman. “As a fan, I cannot wait to see how Hector does in the squared circle. He’s exciting and explosive. This is an incredible signing.”
Lombard, (34-10-1-2 NCs), last fought at UFC Fight Night 137 on September 2018 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he lost a unanimous decision to Thales Leites. It was Lombard’s sixth consecutive defeat dating back to March 2016. The 41-year-old Cuban last win at UFC 182 in November 2015 was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a drug test.
Lombard was undefeated from February 2007 to November 2011 while fighting for numerous promotions, during which time he claimed the inaugural Bellator middleweight title. The first Bellator champion to sign with BKFC, has won 19 MMA fights by knockout, including victories against Nate Marquardt and Rousimar Palhares.
No date or opponent has been announced for Lombard’s debut, but the bout is expected to be contested at 185 pounds.
