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Hector Lombard vs. Rory MacDonald at UFC 186 in Montreal

Hector Lombard Suspended for UFC 182 Positive Drug Test Result for Steroids

With Robbie Lawler and Johny Hendricks expected to fight in a trilogy bout later this year, Hector Lombard vs. Rory MacDonald is the fight that nearly everyone thought made sense. Lombard certainly thought so after his last fight, and evidently, the UFC thinks so as well.

Lombard and MacDonald have verbally agreed to fight each other at UFC 186 on April 26 in Montreal. VendettaFighter.com first reported that the fight was in the works. Lombard later confirmed the bout to MMAFighting.com.

Lombard (35-4-1, 1 NC) is fresh off of unanimous decision victory over Josh Burkman at UFC 182 in Las Vegas. It was his third consecutive win since dropping down to welterweight, following wins over Jake Shields and Nate Marquardt. He's largely considered one of the top contenders for a title shot after MacDonald, and now he has the opportunity to jump the line.

SEE ALSO: Hector Lombard vs. Josh Burkman Fight Highlights Video

MacDonald (18-2) is also on a three-fight winning streak, but he hasn't fought since defeating former Strikeforce champion Tarec Saffiedine in October. His only loss in his last nine bouts was a split-decision loss to Lawler, the current champion.

SEE ALSO: Dana White Says It Just “Makes Sense,” so They're Doing Lawler vs. Hendricks III

He was expected to get the next title shot after defeating Saffiedine, but Lawler and Hendricks' December battle left UFC officials wanting to complete the trilogy first.