7 former Bellator champions who jumped to the UFC - and how they fared

#2 Hector Lombard

Hector Lombard is usually considered one of the biggest busts in UFC history

Cuba’s Hector Lombard – who held Bellator’s Middleweight title from 2009 to 2011 and won 8 fights under their banner – moved to the UFC in 2012 with a lot of fanfare as a possible title contender there. Unfortunately, 7 years and 12 fights later ‘Showeather’ will probably be recognized as one of the biggest busts in UFC history.

Lombard’s UFC run began badly with dull losses to Tim Boetsch and Yushin Okami sandwiching a win over Rousimar Palhares, but a move to 170lbs appeared to have rejuvenated him, and he quickly reeled off impressive wins over Nate Marquardt and Jake Shields. A win over Josh Burkman appeared to move him into title contention, but then disaster struck.

The Cuban tested positive for anabolic steroids in the post-fight drug tests following the Burkman win, and the result was quickly overturned to a No Contest. Lombard was suspended for a year, and when he returned he simply didn’t look like the same fighter he’d been before – his explosive striking remained, but his stamina and durability appeared to have vanished overnight.

Disappointing losses to Neil Magny, Dan Henderson, Johny Hendricks, Anthony Smith, CB Dollaway, and Thales Leites have followed, leaving Lombard on a six-fight losing streak – one of the worst in UFC history. While he hasn’t retired – or been cut by the UFC – yet, it seems like just a matter of time. To call his move from Bellator a disaster would be an understatement.