Hector Lombard/Falaniko Vitale: Fight Reaction

Last night in Bellator 44, Hector Lombard took on Falaniko Vitale in a non-title fight as the co-main event.


Lombard was riding a 22 fight win streak, and hasn't seen a loss in over 6 years. Many of those wins also came via KO or TKO in the first round, making him a very dangerous striker. His speed and agility make him a pair of hands not to be reckoned with.

Falaniko Vitale had plans to derail the Lombard Express. His plan was to take Lombard deep into the third round and hopefully, his lack of attrition that has yet to be seen in fights would be his crutch. Lombard has never been knocked out or submitted, and Vitale was looking to do either to the current champ. A risky strategy because Lombard's last title fight went 5 rounds to the judges, all in favor of the still champ.

The first round started slow. Slow would be an understatement actually. There was nothing to report for the first two rounds, a failed takedown attempt by Vaitale as they shadowboxed in the middle of the ring for minutes on end before holding each other up against the cage motionless; the crowd booed mercilessly at the two fighters for the last two minutes of the round.

After the first round, referee Dan Mirgliotta brought the two fighters to the center and threatened them with consequences if they did not bring the action up in the following round.

The second round began with much of the same as the first, Lombard landed a handful more strikes, but nothing of significance still to this point. Moments when the two fighters bring the clinch, Lombard would swing wildly with a combo, but nothing landed. Vitale stayed fightless again, trying to take the fight deeper into the third and final round before making his attack. Boo's continued to reign in from the stands in Cesar's Palace.

Lombard has been interviewed before stating his wish to, 'just win' no matter how it may come, via decision, KO, submission. It is made more than abundantly clear Lombard wished to 'just win' last night in Atlantic City. Going into the final round, BJJardos had the fight scored 20-18 in favor of Lombard.

As the third round commenced, it was more of the same but Vitale now showed a bit of urgency in his motions. Moving faster and trying for numerous takedowns, it was apparent he was ready to make a move. It wasn't until the closing minutes that Vitale decided to turn up throttle, and that's when this happened...