Hector Lombard Interview

Hector Lombard is a Cuban born Judoka currently living and training MMA in Melbourne, Australia. Hector was a Judo Olympian finishing in 5th place at the Sydney games, and is a multiple time National champion and World finalist. He is undefeated in MMA and is the current XFC light heavyweight Champion. Hector combines great Judo takedowns and groundwork with KO power boxing and unparalleled aggression. He is a rising star in the MMA world and one to keep your eye on.

JudoMMA: How did you get started in Judo? and how long have you been training in Judo?

Hector Lombard: 15 years for the sport.

JM: In your competitive Judo career, what percentage of the time did you win with newaza techniques, and what percentage did you win with tachiwaza?

HL: 80% tachiwaza.

JM: What are your favorite newaza and tachiwaza techniques to use in Judo competition?

HL: Juji katame, sode tsuri, ippon seoi nage, morote seoi nage.

JM: You had a successful Judo career, what do you consider to be your biggest achievement in Judo?

HL: Olympics Sydney 2000, but I've beaten guys, Daniel Fernandez, Selonis, Ferrid Kheder, Christopher Galiano, Tiaggo Camilo, plus many more I can't remember.

JM: Do you have any past experience in other martial arts or sports?

HL: Boxing. MMA.

JM: You are now a very successful Mixed Martial Arts fighter, what aspect of this sport do you like the most?

HL: Got the passion for fighting, I love doing the training up to the fight, and enjoy the challenge.

JM: What MMA team do you train with? And what is your MMA schedule like?

HL: Team Firstrate, and I train 2 hours morning stand up, and 3 hours grappling every nite.

JM: How did your Judo skills help you prepare for MMA fights?

HL: Judo is one of the toughest sports in the world.

JM: Did you face any difficulties trying to adapt your Judo skills to MMA?

HL: No not at all. Judo is my base and I learn all my other skills (boxing/Thai boxing MMA).

JM: Have you landed any Judo throws in MMA? and if so, what ones?

HL: Osoto gari.

JM: Aside from Judo, what other training do you do to prepare for MMA?

HL: Plenty of stand up.

JM: You are the current XFC 84 kg champion, do you think you could fight at a lower weight? Or is 84 kg where you can perform best?

HL: I'm 93 kg champion because the 84 kg chump is scared to fight me.

JM: What are your future goals in MMA?

HL: To fight in Japan against the best in the world.

JM: And finally, Do you know of any up and coming Cuban Judoka who may decide to test the waters in MMA?

HL: I'm from Melbourne but when I make more money I'll bring my old friends from Cuba to train with me and fight with me in QLD or whereever we go.

March 2006
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Special thanks to Justin Lawrence, Xtreme Fighting Championship, VAS.tv, and of course Hector Lombard.

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