Mirko Cro Cop was a huge signing for the UFC but didn't work out
#2: Hector Lombard
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A failed drug test signalled the beginning of Hector Lombard's downfall
As the Bellator Middleweight champ, Hector Lombard was the kind of fighter the UFC dreamed about signing. A knockout artist who destroyed anyone in front of him, Lombard had put together a streak of 20 wins in a row dating back to 2007 when he finally signed with the UFC in 2012.
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To say people expected big things from him would be an understatement.
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His UFC debut though turned into a damp squib – beaten by Tim Boetsch in a painfully dull outing. A KO win over Rousimar Palhares was followed by another dull loss to Yushin Okami, and it looked like his UFC career could be over.
A drop to 170lbs seemed to rejuvenate him – he won three in a row – but then he was busted for PED use and he’s since gone 0-4 and looks a shadow of his former self.
Now holding a UFC record of 3-6, Lombard is likely fighting for his job against CB Dollaway in March. It seems likely to be the case that judging by his drug test failure in the UFC, his great run in the smaller promotions was fuelled by PEDs, and without them he’s just not the same destructive force he once was.
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About the author
Scott Newman
Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.
Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.
Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.
His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.
Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.
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