Hector Lombard enters the Octagon prior to facing Tim Boetsch during their middleweight bout at UFC 149 inside the Scotiabank Saddledome on July 21, 2012 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Nick Laham via UFC.com)
The much anticipated Octagon debut of former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard (31-3-1, 1NC) was certainly a let down for many fans who were expecting to see fireworks versus Tim Boetsch in the co-main event of UFC 149 this past weekend in Calgary, Alberta.
Both fighters employed a conservative approach to the fight preferring to keep each other at a distance than looking for a finish. The match ended in a split decision for Boetsch with fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome booing for much of the three rounds.
Despite the disappointing performance, and a call by UFC president Dana White at the post fight press conference for Lombard to drop down to welterweight, the Cuban born fighter plans on competing at 185-lbs.
Taking to Twitter (@HectorLombard) to apologize to fans for the fight, Lombard also had this to say about changing weight classes.
– I feel strong at 185 just because I had a bad fight does not mean that I am going to drop to 170
The loss to Boetsch ended a twenty-five bout undefeated streak which included nineteen finishes by either knockout or submission.