Rousimar Palhares looked like a fish out of water against Hector Lombard at UFC on FX 6.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who is known for his brute strength and powerful leg locks, found out what it’s like to get bullied by the burlier Lombard.
Instead of pressing forward, Palhares merely backpedaled the entire time to avoid Lombard’s devastating power. The plan of retreat only delayed the inevitable, as Lombard trapped him against the cage and unloaded with a flurry of punches.
Palhares crumpled to the canvas, and the ref was forced to step in at 3:38 of the first round.
After back-to-back losses, Palhares is at a crossroads in his career. This is the first time he has ever faced consecutive defeats. It’ll be interesting to see if the UFC gives him another shot or cuts him right away.
Fighters aren’t jumping at the chance to have their knees wrecked by Palhares’ dangerous leg locks. It’s hard to erase the image of Tomasz Drwal tapping to a heel hook at UFC 107 and Palhares refusing to let go.
Palhares was apologetic after the incident and stated that he didn’t feel Drwal tap. Unfortunately, the incident has hung a dark cloud over the Brazilian and made life a little tougher for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva.
If the UFC gives Palhares another shot, here are five fights to get him back on track.