Top welterweight contender Karo Parisyan (17-4) will fight UFC newcomer Hector Lombard (11-2-1) at UFC 78 on November 17 in Newark, New Jersey.
Rumors have swirled for sometime now that the two accomplished Judo-based fighters would clash; however, FightNetwork.com appears to be the first reliable source to confirm the 170-pound tilt.
Parisyan is on a two-fight win streak and has been victorious in seven out of his last eight bouts dating all the way back to 2004. "The Heat" most recently defeated Josh Burkman via unanimous decision at UFC 71 in May.
The Armenian-born Judo specialist has been clamoring for a title shot since he missed his chance against Matt Hughes in 2005 because of an injury sustained during training. However, Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre are already lined up in front of Parisyan, meaning he won't get his crack at 170-pound glory until mid 2008 at the earliest.
Lombard will make his Octagon debut, hoping that his vast experience fighting overseas can be enough to topple a veteran who will be making his tenth appearance within the eight-sided cage.
The Cuban has appeared twice under the PRIDE FC banner (his only losses) in Japan, as well as with the DEEP organization also in "The Land of the Rising Sun." Lombard -- a Judo specialist and Olympian -- has been successfull of late throughout Australia where he now lives and competes.
For the latest UFC 78 fight card from the Prudential Arena in Newark, N.J., click here.
(Note: It appears the the rumored bout between Parisyan and Hayato "Mach" Sakurai did not work out.)
Get the latest gear
