This may be a “calm before the storm” type weekend. There is not really a big card, and next weekend is pretty stacked with shows from the UFC, Shooto, Pancrase and Dream. However, in Sydney, Australia multi-promotion middleweight champion Hector Lombard will defend his CFC title against Team Quest veteran Art Santore. Last year Lombard plowed through Bellator’s middleweight tournament en route to becoming the promotions first champion. This year eight fighters will compete for a chance to fight the former Cuban Olympic judo player. To get you ready for this weekend’s showcase fight, let’s take a look at the tape.

Hector Lombard vs. Damien Stelly 5/29/2009 Bellator Fighting Championships 7

Commentary
This fight was from the second round of last year’s Bellator middleweight tournament. Like many of Bellator’s fighter Damien Stelly did not have the biggest name, but he had won five in row since losing to current UFC fighter Luis Arthur Cane.

Lombard is a large middleweight. He might not be the tallest fighter, but he will have a size and strength advantage over most of his opponents in the division. Both fighters come out swinging. Neither fighter throws with very much technique. Stelly tries to shoot a double leg, but the attempt is completely stuffed by Lombard. Once on top he is able to avoid guard and grind on his opponent. From the top, Lombard’s physically imposing game is most effective. Stelly attempts to scramble, but can’t escape. The end is imminent.

Perhaps the only way to best Lombard now is to avoid his onslaught on the feet and the takedown. A technical striker could give Lombard some issues. Looking at the current crop announced for this season’s Bellator tournament really only Matt Major seems to have the technical striking game. However, he has had trouble with wrestlers and grapplers in the past.

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