Lombard says he would face a teammate for the title: 'I would even fight my mother'

H. Lombard (photo) trains at American Top Team. Photo: Brandon Magnus/UFC

For many athletes, refusing to face teammates is article number one of the honor code. Routinely, the controversy resurfaces when new opinions emerge on the topic. But the Cuban Hector Lombard chose a humorous way to comment on the topic. Training partner of the new welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, Lombard made it clear that he has no problem fighting him for the belt, citing someone he has much more regard for than his friend.

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“I would even fight my mother,” said the Cuban, in an interview with the website of the North American channel “FOX Sports”. "He (Robbie Lawler) is the champion and we have to respect that. I have to fight Josh Burkman on Saturday (03) and then we’ll see what to do from there”, he added.

Despite rejecting the controversy about facing a teammate, camp, Lombard made a point of highlighting the good relationship he has with Lawler. “I love Robbie. He's the coolest guy, I really like him a lot. Now he's the champion... Well, I liked him before he was champion. All the best for him”, he wished.

Before thinking about challenging Robbie Lawler for the belt, or even one of his family members, Hector Lombard There is another challenge ahead. Undefeated since moving down to middleweight, the former Cuban judoka faces TUF 2 veteran Josh Burkmann this Saturday (03), on the main card of UFC 182, in Las Vegas (USA).

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