There, he has been able to reach a wider audience that may or may not have already known of the obvious talent that the Judoka possesses. And while his true martial art will always be his grappling pedigree, he has slowly but surely become a “knockout artist” in his own right–having finished the likes of UFC veteran Jay Silva with a six-second flurry that put him into unconsciousness.

And while some of the casual mixed martial arts fans may not follow all of Lombard’s endeavors outside of the Bellator arena, you may want to take notice of the whooping that he placed on another UFC veteran in Joe Doerksen–a fight that turned so ugly, so fast, that the ringside doctor halted the bout inside of the first-round.

While Hector, a product of the famed (yet troubled) American Top Team, serves as the Bellator middleweight champion, he also doubles as the Cage Fighting Championships 185-pound title holder as well. The promotion is based out of Australia, where Lombard emigrated to after he had left Cuba as a child.

In the CFC promotion he remains undefeated–in fact, the last time Lombard tasted defeat was in 2006 when he met with Gegard Mousasi under the PRIDE banner–Mousasi would later go on to become the DREAM middleweight and light heavyweight champion, as well as the Strikeforce 205-pound title holder.

While he has faced considerably tough opponents in the past, Joe Doerksen would present one of Lombard’s stiffest challenges to date–at least, he was supposed to.

A UFC and Sengoku veteran, Joe has fought and beat some of the best fighters in the world. The Canadian holds victories over notables Lee Murray, Ed Herman, and Chris Leben, just to name a few. And while Doerksen is always game, it was not to be his night. Last night, Lombard managed to tear through Joe quick, unleashing several barrages of punches that planted the 33-year-old on his back early. Mixed in with some ground-and-pound and another knockdown, the ringside doctor stepped in to see what looked to be another routine cut above his hairline–however, this was no ordinary cut.

The doctor almost immediately halted the bout after shortly examining the cut, which was nearly three inches in length, and determine that the fight should be stopped. Why? Oh, because he could see Doerksen skull.

And while the fans in attendance at the Big Top Stadium in Luna Park (Syndey, Austrlia) did not appreciate the stoppage, it was just.

So, MMA peeps, where does Lombard go from here? How long will he stick with Bellator before he realizes that this organization can’t give him everything that he needs. Never will Lombard receive the big paydays that he is so eagerly looking forward to. Maybe he should give UFC matchmaker a call and see whats up. Sound off in the comment section below.

According to MMA Weekly, 12-4 Dan Miller will be taking on 46-13 Joe Doerksen. Doerksen was last seen being submitted by C.B. Dollaway, Miller was last seen snapping a three-fight losing streak and quite possibly saving his job when he beat John Salter at UFC 118. In a report also posted on MMAWeekly, 18-2 Jim Miller will face 14-0 Charles Oliveira. Oliveira was last seen submitting an overweight and now unemployed Efrain Escudero at the recent UFC Fight Night: “Marquardt vs. Palhares” event. Jim Miller also competed at the same event, earning a Unanimous Decision win over Gleison Tibau and extending his winning streak to five, having not lost since Gray Maynard outpointed him in March of 2009.

I can’t say that I’m a hardcore fan of both men, but I wouldn’t say that I’m a cynic either. Dan Miller is an incredibly tough fighter that has hit a rough patch as of late, but I still think he could one day be an asset to the UFC. Both he and his opponent badly need a big win, so I think that extra motivation will really make this fight stand out. When it comes to Jim Miller, the man is far better off than his brother. He’s won five straight and the lone blemishe on his UFC record comes to a fighter that is next in line for a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship. And the only other blemish on his entire MMA record is a loss to Frank Edgar, the current UFC Lightweight Champion. I think it’s not stretching it at all to say that Miller’s fight with Oliveira may be a contender-eliminator, with the winner firmly planting himself “in the mix” and maybe even getting a title shot outright if their performance is good enough.

In regards to who I think will win, I’m picking both Miller brothers to excel at UFC 124. Joe Doerksen is a highly-skilled veteran, but I’ve seen the potential inside Miller from his hard-fought losses to Demian Maia and Michael Bisping. I truly believe that there’s a champion in there somewhere, even if his three-fight losing streak is still very fresh in a lot of people’s minds. I think Dan has the heart, the endurance, and the will to take everything Doerksen has and keep going.

But to be honest, I’m far more excited for Jim Miller’s fight. This is one that we can all really sink our teeth into. Jim Miller has looked fantastic in his UFC run, you don’t go 7-1 and stay unnoticed for long. Oliveira may only have two fights in the UFC, but they’ve both been very good, extremely heartfelt performances. But when it comes right down to it, experience favors Jim over Charles. It’s going to be a war, but I think Miller will win another big one in another big way and really set himself up for a title shot in the near future.

And what about you, fans and friends? What do you think of these match-ups, and what do you think the future holds for both Miller brothers?

SpikeTV officials were able to confirm that the one hour special will two bouts, both in the middleweight division.

According to Spike, winner of the eleventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter”, Court McGee will make his second appearance inside the octagon, and first after winning the competition. The former drug addict-turned sober fighter will take on veteran Ryan Jensen, as part of the “UFC on Prelims” feature, for UFC 121–headlined by a heavyweight clash between champion Brock Lesnar who attempts to defend his title against top contender, Cain Velasquez.

Additionally, fellow “The Ultimate Fighter” veteran and wild man, Tom Lawlor will take on former middleweight title challenger Patrick Cote, on the aforementioned “UFC on Prelims” special, on October 23, at the Honda Center, in Anaheim, Calif.

Lawlor, though colorful, charismatic and clearly talented, will likely be fighting for his spot in the UFC alongside Cote, as both middleweights are coming off back-to-back losses against top competition.

Cote, who returned to the UFC after a long absence due to a knee injury following a loss to Anderson Silva in a bid for his title back in 2008, returned last June at UFC 115 in Vancouver, in a losing effort to contender Alan Belcher by rear naked choke in the second round.

Lawlor, meanwhile earned his bid in the UFC after defeating fellow cast mate on the eighth season of TUF, Kyle Kingsbury by unanimous decision. The fight was contested at light heavyweight, where after the 205-pounder turned middleweight defeated CB Dollaway by guillotine choke, at UFC 100. The win nabbed the American Top Team product “Submission of the Night” honors for his efforts.

Since then, Lawlor dropped a split decision to fellow wrestler Aaron Simpson, after rocking Simpson early with a barrage of punches, and appearing to have gassed in the latter parts of the fight. He then took on late-replacement Joe Doerksen at UFC 115, losing by rear naked choke against the veteran who has competed in nearly 60 fights as a professional.

Is everyone pleased with the match ups, or would you have rather seen a different fight on the prelims special for Spike?

Middleweight “El Dirte” Joe Doerksen (44-12) has been tapped for a return to the UFC versus “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (6-2) in place of injured “Crazy” Timothy Credeur (12-2) at UFC 113 in Montreal May 8, according to Sherdog.

Doerksen rides five-right win streak back into the Octagon for the first time since a TKO loss to “The Athlete” Jason MacDonald (20-13) at UFC 83 in April 2008.  He won a split decision over “Hitman” Chad Herrick (6-5) at King of the Cage in Detroit April 16.

Lawlor lost a split decision to  Aaron Simpson (6-0) at UFC Fight Night 20 in Fairfax, Virginia January 11.

It was Silva’s second first-round stoppage in two tries at Sengoku; and, there are whispers Silva and eighth-ranked “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) are on a collision course.

Welterweight “Handler” Dan Hornbuckle (15-2) has hit Japanese shores like a typhoon, first knocking out Akikhiro Gono (30-14-7) at Ninth Battle in Tokyo August 2 and following-up Tuesday with a TKO of former BodogFight champ “Goat” Nick Thompson (38-12-1).  The end came at 1:30 of round two due to a Hornbuckle barrage of punches that split open Thompson.

In the main event, Kiwi kickboxer “Notorious” Antz Nansen (1-0) ruined Olympic judo silver medalist Hiroshi Izumi’s (0-1) MMA debut TKOing Izumi at 2:56 of round one.

Lightweight Kazunori Yokota (9-2-2) knocked out “Lion” Ryan Schultz (20-12-1) at 2:31 of round one.

Former UFC and WEC middleweight “El Dirte” Joe Doerksen (43-12) TKO’d Takenori Sato (2-6-2) at 4:27 of round two.

Lightweight king of Pancrase “Makishi” Maximo Blanco (4-0) TKO’d Tetsuya Yamada (1-2) at 1:12 of round two.

Chute Boxe middleweight Fabio Silva (9-4) TKO’d Ryo Kawamura (9-4-2) at 2:28 of round one when Kawamura’s corner threw in the towel.

Makoto Takimoto (4-5) won a unanimous decision over Jae Sun Lee (2-4).

Doerksen tapped “Blade” Gregory Babene (5-4) at CFC 2 in Winnipeg 22 May.

Sato fought to a draw for the middleweight King of Pancrase title versus Izuru Takeuchi (25-10-5) at Pancrase in Tokyo 8 August.

Doerksen TKO’d Takeuchi at Sixth Battle in Tokyo last November.

Former BodogFight welterweight champion “Goat” Nick Thompson (38-11-1) and “Handler” Dan Hornbuckle (14-2) will also return to Sengoku to figh each other.

Thompson, fighting at 185-pounds, gave up on punches to The Pit’s Tim Kennedy (11-2) at Strikeforce in Seattle 19 June.

Hornbuckle devastatingly KO’d Akihiro Gono (30-14-7) with a head kick at Ninth Battle in Tokyo 2 August.

Heavyweight Silva has refuged in Japan as an outlaw since testing positive for banned substances after TKOing Justin Eilers (19-7-1) for the EliteXC strap in Stockton in July 2008 resulting in a suspension from the California State Athletic Commission. Silva denies the charges.

He took a TKO due to injury over “Kiss” Yoshihiro Nakao (8-2) at Sengoku in Tokyo last January.

Former IFL lightweight champ Schultz got laid out by “Gamebred” Jorge Masvidal (17-4) at Sengoku in Tokyo last September.

UFC and WEC vet middleweight Doerksen tapped “Blade” Gregory Babene (5-4) at CFC 2 in Winnipeg 22 May.

Grabaka welterweight Yokota won a split decision over Leonardo Santos (2-2) at Sengoku in Tokyo 2 May.

Middleweight Takimoto tapped “Big Boss” Michael Costa (9-4) at the same show.

Judoka Izumi will debut in MMA after winning a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

The winner of the tournament will face Fighters.com’s ninth-ranked middleweight “Grabaka Hitman” Kazuo Misaki (20-8-2) for the first-ever middleweight belt 4 January in Saitama at Sengoku 7.

Kazuhiro Nakamura (12-8) will face Yuki Sasaki (22-14-1), and Jorge Santiago (18-7) will face “Afghan Killa” Siyar Bahadurzada (14-3-1).

The event already features a lightweight tournament to determine an opponent for Fighters.com’s second-ranked lightweight “Fireball Kid” Takanori Gomi (29-3) at Sengoku 7 for the title.

The bouts remaining in the lightweight tournament are Satoru Kitaoka (21-8-9) versus sixth-ranked Eiji Mitsuoka (14-5-2), and Kazunori Yokota (7-1-3) versus Mizuto Hirota (10-2).

WVR also announced that Fighters.com’s Fighter of the Month “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (1-0) will fight, although an opponent has not yet been determined.

“GameBred” Jorge Masvidal (14-3) versus Seung Hwan Bang (5-2) is also official.

Joe Doerksen (40-12) revealed through MySpace Tuesday that he has agreed to fight Izuru Takeuchi (25-9-6).

Lawal won his MMA debut in September, TKO’ing the more experienced “Diesel” Travis Wiuff (53-12) in the first round.

Masvidal defeated “Lion” Ryan Schultz (20-11-1) with a first-round TKO at the same event.

Bang lost his last fight via unanimous decision to Gomi in August.

UFC veteran Doerksen won a split decision over John Meyer (5-3) in August.

Shooto and Pancrase veteran Takeuchi won his last fight with a heel hook submission over Junior Santos (0-1) in June.

Doerksen was on the wrong end of “Knockout of the Night” versus “The Athlete” Jason MacDonald (20-9) 11 days ago in Montréal.

“(The UFC officials) made it very clear they’re very happy with the way I fight and they want me to come back,” Doerksen told Sportsnet.ca.  “But they need me to go put a couple of wins together (first).”

Doerksen joins fellow middleweights “The Serial Killer” Travis Lutter and Kalib Starnes in the unemployment line after fighting at UFC 83.

The 30-year old veteran made his UFC debut in August 2004, submitting on strikes to “Diesel” Joe Riggs (27-10).  Since, “El Dirte” is 1-5 in the organization and another loss in UFC brother promotion the WEC.

The bright spotlight has been too hot for Doerksen, but his docket lists “W’s” over Denis Kang (29-10-1), “Crippler” Chris Leben (18-4), Riki Fukuda (9-3), and “The Natural” John Alessio (22-11) on other stages.

“I’m sure I’ll be back again,” Doerkson said.

Former UFC Middleweight Champion and Fighters.com’s second-ranked 185-pounder “Ace” Rich Franklin (23-3) also found the land of maple leaf friendly in a second-round TKO of “The Serial Killer” Travis Lutter (9-5).

TUF Champions “The Count” Michael Bisping (15-1) and Mac Danzig (18-4-1) debuted in new weight classes with stoppages.

Les habitants “The Athlete” Jason MacDonald (20-9), “Dooms” Jason Day (17-5), and Jonathan Goulet (22-9) also had success for the home team, while “The Rock” Nathan Quarry (10-2), Demian Maia (7-0), “No Love” Rich Clementi (31-12-1), and Cain Velasquez (3-0) scored wins as visitors to the true north, strong and free.

Though seven of the 11 duels on 83′s lineup featured St. Pierre’s fellow countrymen, this French-Canadian bon soirwas entirely the Quebecois phenom’s. He entered the Octagon blazing a crimson gi with the strength of 22,000 at the Centre Bell.

Serra had played a clever villain during the event’s promotional tour, but had no quips for “Rush” as St. Pierre packed him into the mat upon stuffing Serra’s initial shot.

St. Pierre mauled “The Terror” with short, sharp elbows as Serra pedaled through guards, all passed by St. Pierre. Serra finally crawled up the cage to his feet.

In the center of the cage, St. Pierre blasted Serra with a Superman punch, setting up a double-leg takedown near the end of round one.

Serra, a mouse puffing beneath his right eye, emptied his tank about 90 seconds into round two as “Rush” tagged “The Terror” with five snapping jabs before planting him back onto the mat with a double-leg takedown.

St. Pierre’s G’n'P onslaught poured on, driving Serra into turtle guard. A series of unanswered rib-rattling knees persuaded referee Steve Mazzagatti to end the fight at 4:45.

“I tired him out,” explained the best 170-pound fighter in the world.

Serra countered, “I ended up coming up short, no pun intended.”

Welterweights Goulet and Kuniyoshi Hironaka (11-5) both pocketed 75 grand for battling the “Fight of the Night” in the card’s opening bout.

Goulet got the worst of it in the punch-up’s first round. Attempting to press his striking advantage, Goulet got tagged with a short Hironaka left hook. The Japanese fighter fell the Canadian and followed with a mix of fists and elbows to close the round.

“He tried to finish me,” Goulet admitted after the fight, “but he got too excited. I was careful because of my experience.”

The two fighters traded evenly to open the second before Hironaka was stunned with a punch that backed him to the cage. Goulet stalked with a flurry that dropped his opponent for a TKO at 2:07.

In the co-main event, Franklin also rebounded from a lost first round in which Lutter took the former champ to the mat and worked his jiu-jitsu juju. Franklin was nearly tapped in an armbar before he countered in a nifty maneuver that rolled him into Lutter’s full guard.

Lutter had worn himself weary by the second round and got caught with head kick as he shot for single-leg takedown. Franklin hammered “The Serial Killer” and motioned for the referee to stand him up. “Ace” picked Lutter apart on their feet with a combination of slick boxing and knees until the referree stopped the fight at 3:01

Danzig predicted to Fighters.com that Mark Bocek (5-2) is susceptible to a knee and the debuting 155-pounder delivered three big knees to set Bocek up for a rear naked choke submission at 3:48 of the third round.

“I paced myself, and I needed that; because, if I didn’t pace myself I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did in the last round,” Danzig said.

His fellow TUF Champion Bisping debuted at 185-pounds with a dominant TKO “W” over “Chainsaw” Charles McCarthy (10-5), who was unable to continue due to an arm injury after round one.

“Charles couldn’t get up,” “The Count” expalined after the fight.

Middleweight Quarry chased down a timid Kalib Starnes (8-3-1), who probably ran himself out of the UFC, for a unanimous decision.

Middleweight MacDonald added $75,000 to his bank balance with a “(T)KO of the Night” versus Joe Doerksen (39-12) at 54 seconds of the second round.

Middleweight Maia also earned 75 grand for “Submission of the Night”, a triangle choke of “Short Fuse” Ed Herman (14-5) at 2:27 of round two.

Middleweight Day made a successful UFC debut with a 3:58 TKO of “The Talent” Alan Belcher (12-5).

Lightweight Clementi ruined Canadian “Hands of Stone” Sam Stout‘s (13-4-1) homecoming with a split decision victory.

Finally, touted heavyweight Velasquez only spent 2:10 in his Octagon debut before TKOing Brad Morris (9-3).