ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard’s days may be numbered, but the organization has a backup plan in the event of his departure.
In a few weeks, Bellator’s matching period for the free-agent-to-be will end, and Lombard essentially can sign with any organization with Bellator unable to match an offer.
If that’s the case – and it sounds like it will be – recent tournament winner Alexander Shlemenko will fight for the vacant title. But not until he heals from a variety of injuries that resulted from a recent car crash.