UFC 182 Date: January 3, 2015 Arena: MGM Grand Garden Arena City: Las Vegas, NV Welterweight bout: Hector Lombard (-700) vs Josh Burkman (+500) Fight Breakdown: The UFC 182 main card will be featuring a welterweight contest between former Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard and 10-time Octagon veteran making his return, Josh Burkman. Lombard is a heavy betting favorite headed into this bout at -700 ($700 to win $500), with the return on the big underdog Burkman being +500 ($100 to win $500) at Several Bookmakerss. Hector Lombard (34-4-1-1 NC MMA, 3-2 UFC) is arguably the most feared welterweight in the UFC, and he has been impressive since his move down to 170 pounds, where he is 2-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Jake Shields and a first round knockout of Nate Marquardt, respectively. Heading into this bout against Burkman, he will be looking to make it three in a row on his path towards a title shot. The Cuban has excellent striking skills and packs a lot of power behind everything he throws, possessing the power of a heavyweight in the body of a welterweight. To compliment his striking, the 36-year old has great wrestling skills, as well. His offensive wrestling is solid and he possesses tremendous takedown defense, largely due to his strong base formed in the sport of Judo. Lombard owns black belts both in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and currently training out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, he has shown some improvements in the cardio department, but it is still something to keep an eye on. Josh Burkman (27-10 MMA, 5-5 UFC) was released from the UFC after going 5-5 in his first stint with the promotion and being on a three-fight losing streak. Since then, he has gone on a 9-2 run, including 4-1 under the WSOF banner, including victories over UFC veterans Gerald Harris, Aaron Simpson and Jon Fitch, respectively. He finished both Fitch and Simpson in the very first round of action. In his last bout with WSOF nine months ago, he defeated Strikeforce veteran Tyler Stinson by first round knockout, becoming the first fighter to ever T/KO Stinson. The 10-time UFC veteran throws heavy leg kicks and likes working both the inside and outside of his opponents legs. He also loves to employ his knees, especially when he has his opponents against the cage, and he is very vicious with them, always looking to do damage and earn a TKO stoppage. Burkman has a good chin, and likes to switch stances. The former middleweight is effective on the feet, but he tends to throw one strike at a time, and rarely puts together any combinations. The 34-year old has solid takedown defense, and when his back his put against the cage, he is very good at reversing positions and putting his opponents there, using a combination of strength and technique. Burkman works solid takedowns of his own, including a nice double leg, and he does an excellent job of setting them up. He is also well-versed in the submission department, both offensively and defensively. The Salt Lake City Native trains in high altitude at Pit Elevated in Orem, UT under the tutelage of John Hackelman, and he is a well-conditioned athlete who is ready for a full three rounds against Lombard, should this fight go the distance. Gabe’s Thoughts: I think Lombard is going to hurt Burkman with his hands and I think he gets the job done within a couple of minutes. I predict Burkman gets knocked out for the first time in his professional mixed martial arts career. Gabe’s Call: Lombard by T/KO (punches, 0:55 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Under 1.5 rounds (+135) 2u to win 2.7u
