Hector Lombard, formerly an Olympian Judoka for Cuba, put on a dominating performance at UFC 171 against the experienced Jake Shields.  Lombard not only showed off some flashy judo throws but also stuffed 7 of 7 takedown attempts from Shields.

Let’s have a look!

Round 1 (4:49 left) Ko Soto Gake:

Lombard barrels in and quickly establishes a right underhook and left elbow grip.  As Shields steps back with his left foot, Lombard capitalizes on the movement with a Ko Soto Gake (minor outside leg hook) which sends Shields absolutely flying.

Round 1 (3:24 left) Takedown defense:

Shields drops for a high single leg takedown and Lombard defends by establishing a strong whizzer grip, and circling Shields towards the fence.

Round 2 (4:15 left) : Ko Soto Gari

Lombard sprawls off of Shields’ double leg attempt, mixes in a knee and hits a huge ko soto gari (outside reap).  This ko soto gari is a reaping motion of the legs (notice how Shields’ legs get swept/reaped into the air) whereas the first throw (gake) is an outside hooking and following with the upper body.

Round 2 (0:45 left) : Tai O Toshi 

This is masterful display of the balance awareness Olympic level judoka have, being able to pull off a hand technique, Tai O Toshi (body drop) without the help of the judogi.  Lombard lands in side control and switches to Kezure Kesa Gatame.

Round 3 (3:47 left) : Ko Soto Gake

Lombard sprawls off of Shields’ double leg attempt and immediately hits an outside leg hook as Shields’ stands up and steps back.

Round 3 (0:16 left) : Morote Gari

Lombard finds himself low on Shields after eating a knee and capitilizes on the position with a Morote Gari (better known as a double leg takedown).  Shields nearly finishes Lombard with a nasty guillotine, but Lombard is saved by the bell.

What was your favourite throw?

Are you going to take up judo yet?

Post in the comments below!