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There's been a lot of talk about Hector Lombard challenging for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title. So much, in fact, that it's pissed some fighters off when learning a Bellator import would only need one win to get a crack at the crown.
Other fighters see it as an opportunity.
That includes Tim Boetsch, who's been tasked with welcoming "Shango" to the Octagon at the UFC 149 pay-per-view (PPV) event on July 21, 2012 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Lombard, who was originally booked for a Brian Stann fight at UFC on FOX 4, replaces the injured Michael Bisping north of the border.
"The Barbarian" tells FC Fighter he's ready to "take him out" in "impressive fashion" and make his own case for a shot at the winner of Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen, who compete for gold at UFC 148 on July 7 in Las Vegas.
Those comments, after the jump.
"My opponent’s popularity doesn’t concern me at all. I think an interesting fact is how highly regarded Hector is by the UFC. Dana White had said himself that Hector would get a title shot if he had gone in and defeated Stann handily. I hope he gives me the same shot when I take Hector out. I felt like that after beating Bisping I would have to win one more fight after that to earn the right to be called the number one contender, but I think if I take Hector out in an impressive fashion that’s going to jump me to the front of the line."
Since dropping to middleweight in early 2011, Boetsch (15-4) has rattled off three straight wins inside the division. That includes a technical knockout (TKO) win over former 185-pound number one contender Yushin Okami at the UFC 144 event last February in Japan.
He's yet to taste defeat in his new eight class, but are you ready to call him the next contender with an upset win over Lombard?
To get up to speed on all the news and notes for UFC 149 click here. To see the ever-changing fight card and line-up click here.
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