Expect fireworks and a quick finish when Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard takes on Herbert "Whisper" Goodman at Bellator 24 in a non-title mixed martial arts bout at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. Aug. 12.
"I'm looking forward to fighting in my home town, South Florida, where all my fans can come and watch," Lombard said. "I appreciate the opportunity the Seminole Tribe and Bellator have given me. Herbert Goodman is a great athlete and will be a good opponent and it will be a great fight."
Lombard, 32, is coming off an 18-bout win streak that was briefly interrupted by a draw-decision against Kyle Noke at CFC 1 in July 2007. He is also notorious for his undeniable fire power and speed which was best exemplified in his 6-second knockout of Jay Silva at Bellator 18 last May (watch the fight video below!).
Goodman, 32, will bring a similar set of skills and slug-fest readiness to the cage but a significantly smaller success momentum. He bounced back from his recent decision-loss to Jason Norwood at Freestyle Cagefighting 43 with a TKO-victory over Mike Suttles at Cool City Fight Promotions on July 24. Nevertheless,
"I know he's tough and I know he's the Bellator champion, but I'll fight anyone," Goodman said. "This is a great opportunity for me so I'm just going to apply my game plan and take what he gives me."
Although this bout is a classical striker vs. striker match-up there is still a chance for a submission win by either fighter due to their well-rounded fighting skills. As former Olympic judoka Lombard has the ability to turn Goodman's offensive efforts into almost effortless take-down opportunities with a wide range of judo throws. Getting the submission-win might turn out slightly more difficult for Lombard since Goodman is not the type to tap out quickly. Regardless, the bout should turn out interesting but has the potential to be over in the blink of an eye, so don't look away.
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