Karo vs. Lombard?

Two great judokas will battle, according to rumors, at UFC 78.

Karo Parisyan (17-4) will take on UFC newcomer Hector Lombard (11-2-1).

Parisyan has been at or near title contention since 2005. He was set to take on then title holder Matt Hughes, but had to withdraw due to injury. Karo is now on a 2 fight win streak, last having beaten Josh Burkman.

The problem I have with this fight is that it is a step down for Karo. Judo is great and very pleasing to the eyes, but Lombard is not worthy of fighting Karo. Karo needs a real contender to face, because he truly deserves to be in title contention.

Problem is, TUF 6 has created a log jam of fighters searching for the 170 lb. strap. Hughes is set to face Matt Serra in December, and then it is clearly Georges St. Pierre's turn. After that, who knows. Jon Fitch just threw his hat in the race with his win over Diego Sanchez.

All I know, is Karo needs good fights with bigger name fighters.