Hector Lombard to defend Bellator middleweight title against Alexander Shlemenko in October

by James Kimball on Aug 13, 2010 3:02 PM EDT

Fresh off his drubbing of yet another lackluster opponent, Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard has been asked to put his 185-pound strap on the line against ruthless Russian Alexander Shlemenko later this year.

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney made the announcement at last night's Bellator 24 post-fight press conference.

"Tonight proved to be another great night of fights at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. We love coming here and can not wait for our return in October when Hector Lombard will face Alexander Shlemenko for the Bellator Middleweight Championship."

Lombard's 38-second knockout of "Whisper" Goodman on Aug. 12 ran his unbeaten streak to 20, an impressive feat no matter the level of competition, which has recently come under some scrutiny. The 27-2-1 fighter has now finished 15 of his victims via KO.

"Hektor's" middleweight title defense, likely for October 28 at Bellator 34, will see him take a step up in competition, albeit a minor one, as he faces the 26-year old Shlemenko.

"Storm" has been on an impressive run of his own, suffering defeat only once in his last 16 contests. Alexander has gone 5-0 in 2010, most recently finishing Bryan Baker in the first round back at Bellator 23 in June.

With a career mark of 30-4, the 5'11" kickboxing ace has a chance to make a huge statement against the Mike Tyson-esque Lombard this fall.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on Bellator 34 as it becomes available.

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I’m giving Schlemenko a better chance than most. This could be a good one if Lombard tries to stand w/ Schlemenko like he’s been doing in his last few fights. If he decides to take it to the ground, Schlemenko will get mauled.

by HappyLittleTreez on Aug 13, 2010 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

if lombard makes the same mistake that baker did by not taking this guy seriously i could see him losing

if shlemenko is +275 or more i’m taking him.

I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.

by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 14, 2010 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions

I still have Lombard for this fight. His striking is just far too better than Shlemenko and will probably take him out in the first round if he’s dumb enough to stand wit him.

by daftshadow on Aug 13, 2010 3:11 PM EDT reply actions