Hector Lombard reveals he fought through injuries against Tim Boetsch at UFC 149

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight contender, Hector Lombard, made his long-awaited debut with the promotion at UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada after terrorizing the 185-pound division for the previous five years in other organizations and racking up 24 consecutive victories in the process.

Competing in organization such as PRIDE FC and Bellator, Lombard was considered the best 185-pound fighter not under the Zuffa umbrella.

Finally stepping foot inside the Octagon on July 21, 2012, many expected the Judo player to steamroll right passed Tim Boetsch and earn a shot at facing 185-pound kingpin Anderson Silva. Unfortunately for "Lightning" and mixed martial arts (MMA) fans alike, "The Barbarian" refused to play the role of stepping stone for the former Bellator champion and went on to beat the Judoka via unanimous decision in a lackluster affair.

Now, according to Lombard (via his Facebook page), there was a reason why he performance wasn't up to snuff and why fans didn't get to see the aggressive fighter they have been accustomed to in previous contests.

He explains himself after the jump:

"I want to let all my fans know. I fought my last fight injured. i wasn't 100% sure but i went to the doctors... I have a fractured sternum with torn cartilage, i got this injury in training for my fight with Tim Boetsch. I have to be out of training for 6weeks i should never have fought like that, but i didnt want to let my fans and the UFC down, love you all."

The loss was a huge blow to one of the most hyped and sought-after fighters in the sport that likely sent him all the way to the back of the contender's line.

With no potential matchup set up for his immediate future, perhaps a contest between he and Mark Munoz is in order, seeing as how both are coming off devastating losses and Lombard's previous desire to step and face "The Filipino Wrecking Machine."

First things first, Lombard will look to heal from his injuries before stepping back into the Octagon and avoid losing two in a row, especially if he is not at full speed.

How about it Maniacs, care to share your thoughts on the revelation?