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{{about|the mixed martial artist|the professional baseball umpire|Nic Lentz}}
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
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{{about|the mixed martial artist|the professional baseball umpire|Nic Lentz}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Nik Lentz
| name = Nik Lentz
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| birth_name = Nik Lentz
| birth_name = Nik Lentz
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|08|13}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|08|13}}
| birth_place = [[El Paso, Texas]], [[United States]]
| birth_place = [[El Paso, Texas]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| death_cause =
| residence = [[Minnesota]]
| residence =
| nationality = [[People of the United States|American]]
| nationality =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref name="Goiania">{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-goiania-2015/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Condit vs. Alves|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=May 30, 2015}}</ref>
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref name="Goiania">{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-goiania-2015/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Condit vs. Alves|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=May 30, 2015}}</ref>
| weight_lb = 156
| weight_lb = 156
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| style = [[Wrestling]]
| style = [[Wrestling]]
| stance =
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]]
| fighting_out_of = [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]], U.S.
| team = [[Minnesota Martial Arts Academy]], [[American Top Team]] (2012–2017) <br> Combat Club (2017–2021)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/8/14/16123282/ufc-mma-lightweight-nik-lentz-leaves-american-top-team-combat-club-south-florida-news|title=Nik Lentz explains why he left American Top Team for nearby Combat Club|author=Nick Baldwin|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=August 14, 2017}}</ref>
| team = [[Minnesota Martial Arts Academy]], [[American Top Team]] (2012–2017) <br> Combat Club (2017–2021)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/8/14/16123282/ufc-mma-lightweight-nik-lentz-leaves-american-top-team-combat-club-south-florida-news|title=Nik Lentz explains why he left American Top Team for nearby Combat Club|author=Nick Baldwin|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=August 14, 2017}}</ref>
| rank = Purple belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref name=bjjpurplebelt>{{cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1772938-nik-lentz-to-conor-mcgregor-youre-as-fragile-as-an-overdone-egg|title=Nik Lentz to Conor McGregor: 'You're as Fragile as an Overdone Egg'|publisher=Bleacher Report|author=John Heinis|date=September 13, 2013}}</ref>
| rank = Purple belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref name=bjjpurplebelt>{{cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1772938-nik-lentz-to-conor-mcgregor-youre-as-fragile-as-an-overdone-egg|title=Nik Lentz to Conor McGregor: 'You're as Fragile as an Overdone Egg'|publisher=Bleacher Report|author=John Heinis|date=September 13, 2013}}</ref>
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Lentz went 4–0 after securing a rear naked choke submission win over Kenneth Allen. His first loss came out the hands of Sherron Leggett from a razor thin split decision. Lentz bounced back with a knock out win over Chris Powers. On a card held by Ultimate Combat Sports, Lentz submitted Jake Hoyer using a rear naked choke.
Lentz went 4–0 after securing a rear naked choke submission win over Kenneth Allen. His first loss came out the hands of Sherron Leggett from a razor thin split decision. Lentz bounced back with a knock out win over Chris Powers. On a card held by Ultimate Combat Sports, Lentz submitted Jake Hoyer using a rear naked choke.


On August 2006, Lentz took his second loss from Brian Green who submitted him using an armbar in the first round. Lentz won his next three fights, all with first round knockouts; one of the three was against Bellator lightweight, [[Carey Vanier]].
In August 2006, Lentz took his second loss from Brian Green who submitted him using an armbar in the first round. Lentz won his next three fights, all with first-round knockouts; one of the three was against Bellator lightweight, [[Carey Vanier]].


Lentz had a grueling back-and-forth battle with Mark Moreno before the fight ended in disappointment when the cage-side doctors ruled Lentz unable to continue. After the loss to Moreno, Lentz went on to compile a 7–0–1 record in his next 8 fights including a victory over UFC veteran, [[Drew Fickett]]. He was then signed by the UFC and entered with a 16–3–1 record.
Lentz had a grueling back-and-forth battle with Mark Moreno before the fight ended in disappointment when the cage-side doctors ruled Lentz unable to continue. After the loss to Moreno, Lentz went on to compile a 7–0–1 record in his next 8 fights including a victory over UFC veteran, [[Drew Fickett]]. He was then signed by the UFC and entered with a 16–3–1 record.
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In August 2009, it was announced Lentz had been signed with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], and he would make his debut at [[UFC 103]]. He replaced an injured [[Dan Lauzon]] and upset [[Rafaello Oliveira]], winning via unanimous decision with scores of 29–28, 29–28, and 30–27.
In August 2009, it was announced Lentz had been signed with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], and he would make his debut at [[UFC 103]]. He replaced an injured [[Dan Lauzon]] and upset [[Rafaello Oliveira]], winning via unanimous decision with scores of 29–28, 29–28, and 30–27.


Again being the underdog, Lentz faced [[Thiago Tavares]] on January 11, 2010 at [[UFC Fight Night 20]], with the fight ending in a rare majority draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17522/ufc-fight-night-20-recap.mma |title=UFC Fight Night 20 recap |date=January 12, 2010 |work=mmajunkie |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113232528/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17522/ufc-fight-night-20-recap.mma |archive-date=January 13, 2010 }}</ref>
Again being the underdog, Lentz faced [[Thiago Tavares]] on January 11, 2010, at [[UFC Fight Night 20]], with the fight ending in a rare majority draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17522/ufc-fight-night-20-recap.mma |title=UFC Fight Night 20 recap |date=January 12, 2010 |work=mmajunkie |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113232528/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17522/ufc-fight-night-20-recap.mma |archive-date=January 13, 2010 }}</ref>


Lentz moved his UFC record to 2–0–1 by defeating ''TUF 5'' alummus, [[Rob Emerson]] on March 21, 2010 at [[UFC Fight Night 21]], via unanimous decision.
Lentz moved his UFC record to 2–0–1 by defeating ''TUF 5'' alum [[Rob Emerson]] on March 21, 2010, at [[UFC Fight Night 21]], via unanimous decision.


In his fourth UFC appearance, Lentz defeated [[Andre Winner]] on August 28, 2010 at [[UFC 118]] via unanimous decision (30–27 (twice) and 29–28). The match was shown on Spike TV before the Pay-Per-View event. Lentz scored multiple take-downs throughout the fight but was not able to capitalize on them. The fight was criticized for lack of action.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmabay.co.uk/2010/09/07/dan-hardy-criticises-nik-lentz-for-his-win-at-all-cost-style-against-andre-winner-accuses-him-of-cheating|title=Dan Hardy criticizes Nik Lentz for his win at all cost style against Andre Winner, accuses him of cheating|publisher=MMABay}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Lentz-takes-slow-paced-fight-against-Winner-at-U?urn=mma-265816|title=Lentz takes slow-paced fight against Winner at UFC 118|author=Steve Cofield|publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref>
In his fourth UFC appearance, Lentz defeated [[Andre Winner]] on August 28, 2010, at [[UFC 118]] via unanimous decision (30–27 (twice) and 29–28). The match was shown on Spike TV before the Pay-Per-View event. Lentz scored multiple take-downs throughout the fight but was not able to capitalize on them. The fight was criticized for lack of action.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmabay.co.uk/2010/09/07/dan-hardy-criticises-nik-lentz-for-his-win-at-all-cost-style-against-andre-winner-accuses-him-of-cheating|title=Dan Hardy criticizes Nik Lentz for his win at all cost style against Andre Winner, accuses him of cheating|publisher=MMABay}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Lentz-takes-slow-paced-fight-against-Winner-at-U?urn=mma-265816|title=Lentz takes slow-paced fight against Winner at UFC 118|author=Steve Cofield|publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref>


Lentz got a huge victory over [[Tyson Griffin]] on November 20, 2010, at [[UFC 123]] via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20577/nik-lentz-vs-tyson-griffin-targeted-for-ufc-123.mma|title=Nik Lentz vs. Tyson Griffin targeted for UFC 123|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=September 9, 2010}}</ref>
Lentz got a huge victory over [[Tyson Griffin]] on November 20, 2010, at [[UFC 123]] via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20577/nik-lentz-vs-tyson-griffin-targeted-for-ufc-123.mma|title=Nik Lentz vs. Tyson Griffin targeted for UFC 123|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=September 9, 2010}}</ref>
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At [[UFC Fight Night 24]], Lentz fought and defeated division II national wrestling champion, [[Waylon Lowe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmadiehards.com/features/lightweights-nik-lentz-and-waylon-lowe-meet-at-ufn-24/|title=Lightweights Nik Lentz and Waylon Lowe meet at UFN 24 |publisher=mmadiehards.com |date=2011-02-17}}</ref> After Lowe won the first and second rounds convincingly, Lentz came back in the third and scored an impressive come from behind submission win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22984/ufc-fight-night-24-play-by-play-and-live-results.mma|title=UFC Fight Night 24 play by play and live results|publisher=MMAjunkie}}</ref>
At [[UFC Fight Night 24]], Lentz fought and defeated division II national wrestling champion, [[Waylon Lowe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmadiehards.com/features/lightweights-nik-lentz-and-waylon-lowe-meet-at-ufn-24/|title=Lightweights Nik Lentz and Waylon Lowe meet at UFN 24 |publisher=mmadiehards.com |date=2011-02-17}}</ref> After Lowe won the first and second rounds convincingly, Lentz came back in the third and scored an impressive come from behind submission win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22984/ufc-fight-night-24-play-by-play-and-live-results.mma|title=UFC Fight Night 24 play by play and live results|publisher=MMAjunkie}}</ref>


Lentz faced [[Charles Oliveira]] on June 26, 2011 at [[UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.ufc.com/news/tuf-13-finale-uvs4-fight-card-updates|title=Oliveira vs. Lentz on June 26th|publisher=ufc.com |date=2011-04-27}}</ref> The fight ended in the second round after Oliveira hit Lentz with an illegal knee which went unnoticed by the referee and submitted the dazed Lentz via rear naked choke. However, after reviewing the incident, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission overturned the result and declared it a no contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24211/psac-ufc-on-versus-4s-oliveira-vs-lentz-declared-a-no-contest.mma|title=PSAC: UFC on Versus 4's Oliveira vs. Lentz overturned, declared a no-contest|work=mmajunkie.com|date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703033137/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24211/psac-ufc-on-versus-4s-oliveira-vs-lentz-declared-a-no-contest.mma|archive-date=July 3, 2011}}</ref> The back and forth action earned both fighters ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24161/ufc-on-versus-4-bonuses-xx-xx-xx-and-xx-earn-xxk-awards.mma |title=UFC on Versus 4 bonuses: Kongo, Lauzon, Oliveira and Lentz earn $50K awards |work=[[MMAjunkie.com]] |date=June 26, 2011 |last1=Morgan |first1=John |last2=Stupp |first2=Dann |access-date=June 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630142535/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24161/ufc-on-versus-4-bonuses-xx-xx-xx-and-xx-earn-xxk-awards.mma |archive-date=June 30, 2011 }}</ref>
Lentz faced [[Charles Oliveira]] on June 26, 2011, at [[UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.ufc.com/news/tuf-13-finale-uvs4-fight-card-updates|title=Oliveira vs. Lentz on June 26th|publisher=ufc.com |date=2011-04-27}}</ref> The fight ended in the second round after Oliveira hit Lentz with an illegal knee which went unnoticed by the referee and submitted the dazed Lentz via rear naked choke. However, after reviewing the incident, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission overturned the result and declared it a no contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24211/psac-ufc-on-versus-4s-oliveira-vs-lentz-declared-a-no-contest.mma|title=PSAC: UFC on Versus 4's Oliveira vs. Lentz overturned, declared a no-contest|work=mmajunkie.com|date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703033137/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24211/psac-ufc-on-versus-4s-oliveira-vs-lentz-declared-a-no-contest.mma|archive-date=July 3, 2011}}</ref> The back and forth action earned both fighters ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24161/ufc-on-versus-4-bonuses-xx-xx-xx-and-xx-earn-xxk-awards.mma |title=UFC on Versus 4 bonuses: Kongo, Lauzon, Oliveira and Lentz earn $50K awards |work=[[MMAjunkie.com]] |date=June 26, 2011 |last1=Morgan |first1=John |last2=Stupp |first2=Dann |access-date=June 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630142535/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24161/ufc-on-versus-4-bonuses-xx-xx-xx-and-xx-earn-xxk-awards.mma |archive-date=June 30, 2011 }}</ref>


Lentz was defeated by [[Mark Bocek]] on December 10, 2011 at [[UFC 140]] via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/9/12/2421650/ufc-140-nik-lentz-vs-mark-bocek-fight-slated-for-dec-10-in-toronto |title=Nik Lentz vs Mark Bocek fight slated for Dec. 10 in Toronto |publisher=mmamania.com |date=2011-09-12}}</ref> Lentz was taken down all three rounds and controlled despite threatening Bocek twice with a guillotine choke in rounds 1 and 2.
Lentz was defeated by [[Mark Bocek]] on December 10, 2011, at [[UFC 140]] via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/9/12/2421650/ufc-140-nik-lentz-vs-mark-bocek-fight-slated-for-dec-10-in-toronto |title=Nik Lentz vs Mark Bocek fight slated for Dec. 10 in Toronto |publisher=mmamania.com |date=2011-09-12}}</ref> Lentz was taken down all three rounds and controlled despite threatening Bocek twice with a guillotine choke in rounds 1 and 2.


Lentz faced [[Evan Dunham]] on January 28, 2012 at [[UFC on Fox 2]], where he replaced an injured [[Paul Sass]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/26/2663004/evan-dunham-vs-nik-lentz-fight-ufc-on-fox-2-paul-sass-hurt-mma|title=Evan Dunham vs Nik Lentz announced for UFC on Fox 2 with Paul Sass scratched |publisher=mmamania.com|date=December 26, 2011}}</ref> Lentz lost via TKO, due to doctor stoppage because of a large cut under his left eye. The fight earned both participants ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27180/ufc-on-fox-2-bonuses-swanson-oliveira-dunham-lentz-earn-65k-awards.mma|title=UFC on FOX 2 bonuses: Johnson, Oliveira, Dunham, Lentz earn $65K awards|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 28, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109045134/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27180/ufc-on-fox-2-bonuses-swanson-oliveira-dunham-lentz-earn-65k-awards.mma|archive-date=November 9, 2012}}</ref>
Lentz faced [[Evan Dunham]] on January 28, 2012, at [[UFC on Fox 2]], where he replaced an injured [[Paul Sass]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/26/2663004/evan-dunham-vs-nik-lentz-fight-ufc-on-fox-2-paul-sass-hurt-mma|title=Evan Dunham vs Nik Lentz announced for UFC on Fox 2 with Paul Sass scratched |publisher=mmamania.com|date=December 26, 2011}}</ref> Lentz lost via TKO, due to doctor stoppage because of a large cut under his left eye. The fight earned both participants ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27180/ufc-on-fox-2-bonuses-swanson-oliveira-dunham-lentz-earn-65k-awards.mma|title=UFC on FOX 2 bonuses: Johnson, Oliveira, Dunham, Lentz earn $65K awards|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 28, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109045134/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27180/ufc-on-fox-2-bonuses-swanson-oliveira-dunham-lentz-earn-65k-awards.mma|archive-date=November 9, 2012}}</ref>


Lentz made his featherweight debut against [[Eiji Mitsuoka]] on August 11, 2012 at [[UFC 150]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/29042/ufc-150-in-denver-adds-lentz-mitsuoka-bermudez-hayden-kuiper-hamman.mma|title=UFC 150 in Denver adds Lentz-Mitsuoka|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=June 4, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109051247/http://mmajunkie.com/news/29042/ufc-150-in-denver-adds-lentz-mitsuoka-bermudez-hayden-kuiper-hamman.mma|archive-date=November 9, 2012}}</ref> Lentz controlled the entirety of the fight and won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30131/ufc-150-results-nik-lentzvs-eiji-mitsuoka.mma|title=UFC 150 results: Nik Lentz dominates Eiji Mitsuoka in featherweight debut|date=June 12, 2012}}</ref>
Lentz made his featherweight debut against [[Eiji Mitsuoka]] on August 11, 2012, at [[UFC 150]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/29042/ufc-150-in-denver-adds-lentz-mitsuoka-bermudez-hayden-kuiper-hamman.mma|title=UFC 150 in Denver adds Lentz-Mitsuoka|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=June 4, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109051247/http://mmajunkie.com/news/29042/ufc-150-in-denver-adds-lentz-mitsuoka-bermudez-hayden-kuiper-hamman.mma|archive-date=November 9, 2012}}</ref> Lentz controlled the entirety of the fight and won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30131/ufc-150-results-nik-lentzvs-eiji-mitsuoka.mma|title=UFC 150 results: Nik Lentz dominates Eiji Mitsuoka in featherweight debut|date=June 12, 2012}}</ref>


In his second fight at featherweight, Lentz faced [[Diego Nunes (fighter)|Diego Nunes]] on January 19, 2013 at [[UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31402/report-diego-nunes-meets-nik-lentz-when-ufc-returns-to-brazil-on-jan-19.mma|title=Diego Nunes meets Nik Lentz when UFC returns to Brazil on Jan. 19|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=November 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104050640/http://mmajunkie.com/news/31402/report-diego-nunes-meets-nik-lentz-when-ufc-returns-to-brazil-on-jan-19.mma|archive-date=November 4, 2012}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision in what is arguably the biggest victory of his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/19/3895194/ufc-on-fx-7-nik-lentz-grinds-out-win-over-diego-nunes|title=UFC on FX 7 results: Nik Lentz grinds out win over Diego Nunes|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Chiapetta|date=2013-01-19|access-date=2013-01-19}}</ref>
In his second fight at featherweight, Lentz faced [[Diego Nunes (fighter)|Diego Nunes]] on January 19, 2013, at [[UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31402/report-diego-nunes-meets-nik-lentz-when-ufc-returns-to-brazil-on-jan-19.mma|title=Diego Nunes meets Nik Lentz when UFC returns to Brazil on Jan. 19|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=November 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104050640/http://mmajunkie.com/news/31402/report-diego-nunes-meets-nik-lentz-when-ufc-returns-to-brazil-on-jan-19.mma|archive-date=November 4, 2012}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision in what is arguably the biggest victory of his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/19/3895194/ufc-on-fx-7-nik-lentz-grinds-out-win-over-diego-nunes|title=UFC on FX 7 results: Nik Lentz grinds out win over Diego Nunes|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Chiapetta|date=2013-01-19|access-date=2013-01-19}}</ref>


Lentz went back to Brazil for the second fight in a row and faced [[Hacran Dias]] on May 18, 2013 at [[UFC on FX 8]], replacing an injured [[Manvel Gamburyan]]<ref name="LentzIn">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/nik-lentz-replaces-manny-gamburyan-meets-hacran-dias-at-ufc-on-fx-8|title=Nik Lentz replaces Manny Gamburyan, meets Hacran Dias at UFC on FX 8|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2013-03-25|access-date=2013-03-25}}</ref> He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/05/ufc-on-fx-8-results-hacran-dias-vs-nik-lentz|title=UFC on FX 8 results/photos: Nik Lentz grinds out win over Hacran Dias|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2013-05-19|access-date=2013-05-19}}</ref>
Lentz went back to Brazil for the second fight in a row and faced [[Hacran Dias]] on May 18, 2013, at [[UFC on FX 8]], replacing an injured [[Manvel Gamburyan]].<ref name="LentzIn">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/nik-lentz-replaces-manny-gamburyan-meets-hacran-dias-at-ufc-on-fx-8|title=Nik Lentz replaces Manny Gamburyan, meets Hacran Dias at UFC on FX 8|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2013-03-25|access-date=2013-03-25}}</ref> He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/05/ufc-on-fx-8-results-hacran-dias-vs-nik-lentz|title=UFC on FX 8 results/photos: Nik Lentz grinds out win over Hacran Dias|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2013-05-19|access-date=2013-05-19}}</ref>


Lentz was briefly linked to a bout with [[Dennis Bermudez]] on November 6, 2013 at [[UFC Fight Night 31]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fighters.com/08/23/nik-lentz-vs-dennis-bermudez-signed-for-ufn-31|title=Nik Lentz Vs Dennis Bermudez Signed For UFN 31|publisher=fighters.com|author=John Petit|date=2013-08-23|access-date=2013-08-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005120948/http://www.fighters.com/08/23/nik-lentz-vs-dennis-bermudez-signed-for-ufn-31|archive-date=2013-10-05}}</ref> However, Lentz was pulled from the pairing with Bermudez and instead faced [[Chad Mendes]] on December 14, 2013 at [[UFC on Fox 9]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/17/4741654/chad-mendes-vs-nik-lentz-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-9|title=Chad Mendes vs. Nik Lentz booked for UFC on FOX 9 |publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2013-09-17|access-date=2013-09-17}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Lentz was briefly linked to a bout with [[Dennis Bermudez]] on November 6, 2013, at [[UFC Fight Night 31]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fighters.com/08/23/nik-lentz-vs-dennis-bermudez-signed-for-ufn-31|title=Nik Lentz Vs Dennis Bermudez Signed For UFN 31|publisher=fighters.com|author=John Petit|date=2013-08-23|access-date=2013-08-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005120948/http://www.fighters.com/08/23/nik-lentz-vs-dennis-bermudez-signed-for-ufn-31|archive-date=2013-10-05}}</ref> However, Lentz was pulled from the pairing with Bermudez and instead faced [[Chad Mendes]] on December 14, 2013, at [[UFC on Fox 9]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/17/4741654/chad-mendes-vs-nik-lentz-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-9|title=Chad Mendes vs. Nik Lentz booked for UFC on FOX 9 |publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2013-09-17|access-date=2013-09-17}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision.


Lentz faced [[Manvel Gamburyan]] on May 10, 2014 at [[UFC Fight Night 40]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/02/manny-gamburyan-vs-nik-lentz-added-to-ufc-fight-night-in-cincinnati/|title=Manny Gamburyan vs. Nik Lentz added to UFC Fight Night in Cincinnati|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff |date=February 20, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Lentz faced [[Manvel Gamburyan]] on May 10, 2014, at [[UFC Fight Night 40]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/02/manny-gamburyan-vs-nik-lentz-added-to-ufc-fight-night-in-cincinnati/|title=Manny Gamburyan vs. Nik Lentz added to UFC Fight Night in Cincinnati|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff |date=February 20, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.


Lentz was expected to face [[Charles Oliveira]] in a rematch on September 5, 2014 at [[UFC Fight Night 50]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagepages.com/2014/07/10/charles-oliveira-vs-nik-lentz-2-heading-ufc-fight-night-50/|title=Charles Oliveira vs Nik Lentz 2 heading to UFC Fight Night 50|publisher=cagepages.com|author=Jacob Cooper |date=July 10, 2014|access-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref> At the event weigh in, Oliveira came in over the 146 pound featherweight limit at 150 pounds. Subsequently, he was initially forced to surrender 20 percent of his purse to Lentz and the bout was changed to a catchweight affair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/ufc-fight-night-50-live-and-official-weigh-in-results|title=UFC Fight Night 44 weigh-in results: Headliners good, Oliveira four pounds heavy |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |access-date=2014-09-04|date=2014-09-04}}</ref> Subsequently, Oliveira pulled out of the bout entirely after falling ill the day of the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/charles-oliveira-pulled-from-nik-lentz-bout-at-ufc-fight-night-50|title=Charles Oliveira pulled from Nik Lentz bout at UFC Fight Night 50 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson |access-date=2014-09-05|date=2014-09-05}}</ref>
Lentz was expected to face [[Charles Oliveira]] in a rematch on September 5, 2014, at [[UFC Fight Night 50]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagepages.com/2014/07/10/charles-oliveira-vs-nik-lentz-2-heading-ufc-fight-night-50/|title=Charles Oliveira vs Nik Lentz 2 heading to UFC Fight Night 50|publisher=cagepages.com|author=Jacob Cooper |date=July 10, 2014|access-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref> At the event weigh in, Oliveira came in over the 146 pound featherweight limit at 150 pounds. Subsequently, he was initially forced to surrender 20 percent of his purse to Lentz and the bout was changed to a catchweight affair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/ufc-fight-night-50-live-and-official-weigh-in-results|title=UFC Fight Night 44 weigh-in results: Headliners good, Oliveira four pounds heavy |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |access-date=2014-09-04|date=2014-09-04}}</ref> Subsequently, Oliveira pulled out of the bout entirely after falling ill the day of the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/charles-oliveira-pulled-from-nik-lentz-bout-at-ufc-fight-night-50|title=Charles Oliveira pulled from Nik Lentz bout at UFC Fight Night 50 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson |access-date=2014-09-05|date=2014-09-05}}</ref>


Lentz was expected to face [[Thiago Tavares]] in a rematch on February 14, 2015 at [[UFC Fight Night 60]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/nik-lentz-vs-thiago-tavares-rematch-set-for-ufc-fight-night-60-in-colorado|title=Nik Lentz vs. Thiago Tavares rematch set for UFC Fight Night 60 in Colorado |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |access-date=2014-11-25|date=2014-11-25}}</ref> However, Tavares pulled out of the bout citing injury in late January and was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Levan Makashvili]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/nik-lentz-faces-newcomer-levan-makashvili-at-next-weeks-ufc-fight-night-60|title=Nik Lentz faces newcomer Levan Makashvili at next week's UFC Fight Night 60|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-02-03|access-date=2015-02-03}}</ref> Subsequently, for the second fight in a row, Lentz had a fight cancelled at the weigh ins as the pairing was scrapped as Lentz was stricken with flu-like symptoms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/nik-lentz-vs-levan-makashvili-bout-scheduled-for-ufc-fight-night-60-cancelled|title=Nik Lentz vs Levan Makashvili scratched from UFC Fight Night 60 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2015-02-13|access-date=2015-02-13}}</ref>
Lentz was expected to face [[Thiago Tavares]] in a rematch on February 14, 2015, at [[UFC Fight Night 60]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/nik-lentz-vs-thiago-tavares-rematch-set-for-ufc-fight-night-60-in-colorado|title=Nik Lentz vs. Thiago Tavares rematch set for UFC Fight Night 60 in Colorado |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |access-date=2014-11-25|date=2014-11-25}}</ref> However, Tavares pulled out of the bout citing injury in late January and was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Levan Makashvili]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/nik-lentz-faces-newcomer-levan-makashvili-at-next-weeks-ufc-fight-night-60|title=Nik Lentz faces newcomer Levan Makashvili at next week's UFC Fight Night 60|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-02-03|access-date=2015-02-03}}</ref> Subsequently, for the second fight in a row, Lentz had a fight cancelled at the weigh ins as the pairing was scrapped as Lentz was stricken with flu-like symptoms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/nik-lentz-vs-levan-makashvili-bout-scheduled-for-ufc-fight-night-60-cancelled|title=Nik Lentz vs Levan Makashvili scratched from UFC Fight Night 60 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2015-02-13|access-date=2015-02-13}}</ref>


Lentz finally faced [[Charles Oliveira]] in a rematch on May 30, 2015 at [[UFC Fight Night 67]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://themmareport.com/2015/05/ufc-fight-night-67-condit-vs-alves-fight-card-lineup-finalized-jason-vs-jackson-set-as-featured-prelim-bout-on-fox-sports-1/|title=UFC Fight Night 67: Condit vs. Alves fight card lineup finalized |publisher=themmareport.com|author=Staff|date=2015-05-14|access-date=2015-05-14}}</ref> Following a back-and-forth first two rounds, Lentz lost the fight via guillotine submission in the third round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/5/31/8692881/ufc-fight-night-67-results-nik-lentz-charles-oliveira|title=UFC Fight Night 67 results: Charles Oliveira submits Nik Lentz late in action-packed rematch|publisher=mmamania.com|date=2015-05-31|access-date=2015-05-31|author=Thomas Myers}}</ref> Despite the loss, Lentz was awarded a ''Fight of the Night'' bonus award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/ufc-fight-night-67-bonus-awards|title=UFC Fight Night 67 Bonus Awards|publisher=fightofthenight.com|date=2015-05-31|access-date=2015-05-31|author=Jason Henderson}}</ref>
Lentz finally faced [[Charles Oliveira]] in a rematch on May 30, 2015, at [[UFC Fight Night 67]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://themmareport.com/2015/05/ufc-fight-night-67-condit-vs-alves-fight-card-lineup-finalized-jason-vs-jackson-set-as-featured-prelim-bout-on-fox-sports-1/|title=UFC Fight Night 67: Condit vs. Alves fight card lineup finalized |publisher=themmareport.com|author=Staff|date=2015-05-14|access-date=2015-05-14}}</ref> Following a back-and-forth first two rounds, Lentz lost the fight via guillotine submission in the third round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/5/31/8692881/ufc-fight-night-67-results-nik-lentz-charles-oliveira|title=UFC Fight Night 67 results: Charles Oliveira submits Nik Lentz late in action-packed rematch|publisher=mmamania.com|date=2015-05-31|access-date=2015-05-31|author=Thomas Myers}}</ref> Despite the loss, Lentz was awarded a ''Fight of the Night'' bonus award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/ufc-fight-night-67-bonus-awards|title=UFC Fight Night 67 Bonus Awards|publisher=fightofthenight.com|date=2015-05-31|access-date=2015-05-31|author=Jason Henderson}}</ref>


Lentz faced [[Danny Castillo]] in a lightweight bout on December 19, 2015 at [[UFC on Fox 17]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://themmareport.com/2015/08/nik-lentz-moving-back-to-lightweight-meets-danny-castillo-at-ufc-on-fox-17/|title=Nik Lentz moving back to lightweight, meets Danny Castillo at UFC on FOX 17|publisher=themmareport.com|author=Staff|date=2015-08-25|access-date=2015-08-25}}</ref> He won the fight by split decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/ufc-on-fox-17-results-nik-lentz-outworks-danny-castillo-for-split-decision-win|title=UFC on FOX 17 results: Nik Lentz outworks Danny Castillo for split-decision win|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan|date=2015-12-19|access-date=2015-12-19}}</ref>
Lentz faced [[Danny Castillo]] in a lightweight bout on December 19, 2015, at [[UFC on Fox 17]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://themmareport.com/2015/08/nik-lentz-moving-back-to-lightweight-meets-danny-castillo-at-ufc-on-fox-17/|title=Nik Lentz moving back to lightweight, meets Danny Castillo at UFC on FOX 17|publisher=themmareport.com|author=Staff|date=2015-08-25|access-date=2015-08-25}}</ref> He won the fight by split decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/ufc-on-fox-17-results-nik-lentz-outworks-danny-castillo-for-split-decision-win|title=UFC on FOX 17 results: Nik Lentz outworks Danny Castillo for split-decision win|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan|date=2015-12-19|access-date=2015-12-19}}</ref>


Lentz was expected to face [[Mairbek Taisumov]] on September 10, 2016 at [[UFC 203]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-203-Update-Mairbek-Taisumov-to-Face-Nik-Lentz-on-Sept-10-in-Cleveland-106515|title=UFC 203 update: Mairbek Taisumov to face Nik Lentz on Sept. 10 in Cleveland|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2016-06-15|access-date=2015-06-15}}</ref> However, Taisumov was removed from the event during the week before the event for alleged [[visa (document)|visa]] issues and was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Michael McBride (fighter)|Michael McBride]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/1/12757134/nik-lentz-gets-late-replacement-michael-mcbride-at-ufc-203|title=Nik Lentz gets late replacement Michael McBride at UFC 203|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2016-09-01|access-date=2016-09-01}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/09/ufc-203-results-nik-lentz-stops-gritty-and-awkward-michael-mcbride-with-second-round-tko|title=UFC 203 results: Nik Lentz stops gritty and awkward Michael McBride with second-round TKO|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2016-09-10|access-date=2015-09-10}}</ref>
Lentz was expected to face [[Mairbek Taisumov]] on September 10, 2016, at [[UFC 203]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-203-Update-Mairbek-Taisumov-to-Face-Nik-Lentz-on-Sept-10-in-Cleveland-106515|title=UFC 203 update: Mairbek Taisumov to face Nik Lentz on Sept. 10 in Cleveland|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2016-06-15|access-date=2015-06-15}}</ref> However, Taisumov was removed from the event during the week before the event for alleged [[visa (document)|visa]] issues and was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Michael McBride (fighter)|Michael McBride]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/1/12757134/nik-lentz-gets-late-replacement-michael-mcbride-at-ufc-203|title=Nik Lentz gets late replacement Michael McBride at UFC 203|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2016-09-01|access-date=2016-09-01}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/09/ufc-203-results-nik-lentz-stops-gritty-and-awkward-michael-mcbride-with-second-round-tko|title=UFC 203 results: Nik Lentz stops gritty and awkward Michael McBride with second-round TKO|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2016-09-10|access-date=2015-09-10}}</ref>


Lentz faced [[Islam Makhachev]] on February 11, 2017 at [[UFC 208]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/12/15/13973852/three-new-bouts-added-to-ufc-208|title=Three new bouts added to UFC 208|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2016-12-15|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/02/ufc-208-results-islam-makhachev-works-over-nik-lentz-for-dominant-unanimous-decision|title=UFC 208 results: Islam Makhachev works over Nik Lentz for dominant unanimous decision|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref>
Lentz faced [[Islam Makhachev]] on February 11, 2017, at [[UFC 208]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/12/15/13973852/three-new-bouts-added-to-ufc-208|title=Three new bouts added to UFC 208|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2016-12-15|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/02/ufc-208-results-islam-makhachev-works-over-nik-lentz-for-dominant-unanimous-decision|title=UFC 208 results: Islam Makhachev works over Nik Lentz for dominant unanimous decision|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref>


Lentz faced [[Will Brooks]] on October 7, 2017 at [[UFC 216]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/07/nik-lentz-will-brooks-agree-to-fight-each-other-ufc-216-las-vegas|title=Nik Lentz, Will Brooks agree to fight each other at UFC 216 in Las Vegas|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-07-23|access-date=2017-07-23}}</ref> However the pairing was scrapped during the weigh-ins for the event, as Lentz was stricken with "medical issues" and deemed unfit to compete.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-216-loses-featured-prelim-will-brook-nik-lentz|title=UFC 216 loses a featured prelim on eve of event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2017-10-06|access-date=2017-10-06}}</ref> The pairing with Brooks was rescheduled and took place on November 19, 2017 at [[UFC Fight Night 121]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/will-brooks-nik-lentz-targeted-ufc-fight-night-121-sydney-australia|title=Will Brooks vs. Nik Lentz targeted for UFC Fight Night 121|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-10-16|access-date=2017-10-16}}</ref> Lentz won the fight via submission in the second round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/11/ufc-sydney-nik-lentz-chokes-out-5-1-favorite-ex-teammate-will-brooks|title=UFC Fight Night 121 results: Nik Lentz chokes out 5-1 favorite, ex-teammate Will Brooks|date=2017-11-19|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.<ref name="Mazique">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/11/19/ufc-fight-night-121-werdum-vs-tybura-results-bonus-winners-highlights-analysis-attendance-gate/#6475ef9af8da|title=UFC Fight Night 121 Werdum Vs. Tybura Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, Analysis, Attendance, Gate|last=Mazique|first=Brian|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en}}</ref>
Lentz faced [[Will Brooks]] on October 7, 2017, at [[UFC 216]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/07/nik-lentz-will-brooks-agree-to-fight-each-other-ufc-216-las-vegas|title=Nik Lentz, Will Brooks agree to fight each other at UFC 216 in Las Vegas|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-07-23|access-date=2017-07-23}}</ref> However the pairing was scrapped during the weigh-ins for the event, as Lentz was stricken with "medical issues" and deemed unfit to compete.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-216-loses-featured-prelim-will-brook-nik-lentz|title=UFC 216 loses a featured prelim on eve of event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2017-10-06|access-date=2017-10-06}}</ref> The pairing with Brooks was rescheduled and took place on November 19, 2017, at [[UFC Fight Night 121]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/will-brooks-nik-lentz-targeted-ufc-fight-night-121-sydney-australia|title=Will Brooks vs. Nik Lentz targeted for UFC Fight Night 121|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-10-16|access-date=2017-10-16}}</ref> Lentz won the fight via submission in the second round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/11/ufc-sydney-nik-lentz-chokes-out-5-1-favorite-ex-teammate-will-brooks|title=UFC Fight Night 121 results: Nik Lentz chokes out 5-1 favorite, ex-teammate Will Brooks|date=2017-11-19|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.<ref name="Mazique">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/11/19/ufc-fight-night-121-werdum-vs-tybura-results-bonus-winners-highlights-analysis-attendance-gate/#6475ef9af8da|title=UFC Fight Night 121 Werdum Vs. Tybura Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, Analysis, Attendance, Gate|last=Mazique|first=Brian|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en}}</ref>


Lentz was expected to face [[Leonardo Santos (fighter)|Leonardo Santos]] on June 1, 2018 at [[UFC Fight Night 131]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/nik-lentz-leo-santos-added-ufc-fight-night-131-utica|title=Nik Lentz vs. Leonardo Santos is 13th addition to UFC Utica|website=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2018-04-16|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref> However, it was reported on April 28, 2018 that Santos was pulled from the event due to a hand injury.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/4/28/17296206/leonardo-santos-injured-out-ufc-utica-fight-nik-lentz|title=Leonardo Santos injured, out of UFC Utica fight with Nik Lentz|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-04-28}}</ref> He was replaced by [[David Teymur]].<ref name="Lentz/Teymur">{{cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/1/17307374/david-teymur-steps-in-to-fight-nik-lentz-at-ufc-utica|title=David Teymur steps in to fight Nik Lentz at UFC Utica|website=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2018-05-01|access-date=2018-05-01}}</ref> Lentz lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-fight-night-131-results-david-teymur-outworks-nik-lentz-decision-utica|title=UFC Fight Night 131 results: David Teymur outworks gritty Nik Lentz for decision|date=2018-06-02|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-US}}</ref>
Lentz was expected to face [[Leonardo Santos (fighter)|Leonardo Santos]] on June 1, 2018, at [[UFC Fight Night 131]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/nik-lentz-leo-santos-added-ufc-fight-night-131-utica|title=Nik Lentz vs. Leonardo Santos is 13th addition to UFC Utica|website=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2018-04-16|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref> However, it was reported on April 28, 2018, that Santos was pulled from the event due to a hand injury.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/4/28/17296206/leonardo-santos-injured-out-ufc-utica-fight-nik-lentz|title=Leonardo Santos injured, out of UFC Utica fight with Nik Lentz|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-04-28}}</ref> He was replaced by [[David Teymur]].<ref name="Lentz/Teymur">{{cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/1/17307374/david-teymur-steps-in-to-fight-nik-lentz-at-ufc-utica|title=David Teymur steps in to fight Nik Lentz at UFC Utica|website=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2018-05-01|access-date=2018-05-01}}</ref> Lentz lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-fight-night-131-results-david-teymur-outworks-nik-lentz-decision-utica|title=UFC Fight Night 131 results: David Teymur outworks gritty Nik Lentz for decision|date=2018-06-02|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-US}}</ref>


Lentz faced former title challenger [[Gray Maynard]] on October 6, 2018 at [[UFC 229]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/gray-maynard-returns-lightweight-vs-nik-lentz-ufc-229-las-vegas|title=Gray Maynard returns to lightweight vs. Nik Lentz at UFC 229 in Las Vegas|date=2018-08-21|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-08-21|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the second round after dropping Maynard with a head kick and following up with punches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/10/ufc-229-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor-mcgregor-play-by-play-live-results|title=UFC 229 play-by-play and live results|date=2018-10-06|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-10-06|language=en-US}}</ref>
Lentz faced former title challenger [[Gray Maynard]] on October 6, 2018, at [[UFC 229]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/gray-maynard-returns-lightweight-vs-nik-lentz-ufc-229-las-vegas|title=Gray Maynard returns to lightweight vs. Nik Lentz at UFC 229 in Las Vegas|date=2018-08-21|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-08-21|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the second round after dropping Maynard with a head kick and following up with punches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/10/ufc-229-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor-mcgregor-play-by-play-live-results|title=UFC 229 play-by-play and live results|date=2018-10-06|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-10-06|language=en-US}}</ref>


Lentz faced [[Scott Holtzman]] on February 17, 2019 at [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez|UFC on ESPN 1]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmadna.nl/scott-holtzman-treft-nik-lentz-tijdens-ufc-on-espn-1-in-phoenix/|title=Scott Holtzman meets Nik Lentz during UFC on ESPN 1 in Phoenix|work=mmadna.nl|author=Marcel Dorff |date=2018-12-13|access-date=2018-12-13|language=nl}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/02/ufc-on-espn-1-results-nik-lentz-grind-tops-scott-holtzman-in-gutsy-battle|title=UFC on ESPN 1 results: Nik Lentz grind tops Scott Holtzman in gutsy battle|date=2019-02-18|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=2019-02-18}}</ref>
Lentz faced [[Scott Holtzman]] on February 17, 2019, at [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez|UFC on ESPN 1]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmadna.nl/scott-holtzman-treft-nik-lentz-tijdens-ufc-on-espn-1-in-phoenix/|title=Scott Holtzman meets Nik Lentz during UFC on ESPN 1 in Phoenix|work=mmadna.nl|author=Marcel Dorff |date=2018-12-13|access-date=2018-12-13|language=nl}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/02/ufc-on-espn-1-results-nik-lentz-grind-tops-scott-holtzman-in-gutsy-battle|title=UFC on ESPN 1 results: Nik Lentz grind tops Scott Holtzman in gutsy battle|date=2019-02-18|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=2019-02-18}}</ref>


A third fight with [[Charles Oliveira]] took place on May 18, 2019 at [[UFC Fight Night 152]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/04/ufc-rochester-charles-oliveira-vs-nik-lentz-trilogy-fight-new-york|title=UFC Rochester gets Charles Oliveira vs. Nik Lentz trilogy fight|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2019-04-15|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref> He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/05/18/ufc-rochester-results-charles-oliveira-tkos-nik-lentz-trilogy/|title=UFC Rochester Results: Charles Oliveira TKOs Nik Lentz in trilogy fight|last=Shillan|first=Keith|date=2019-05-18|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>
A third fight with [[Charles Oliveira]] took place on May 18, 2019, at [[UFC Fight Night 152]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/04/ufc-rochester-charles-oliveira-vs-nik-lentz-trilogy-fight-new-york|title=UFC Rochester gets Charles Oliveira vs. Nik Lentz trilogy fight|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2019-04-15|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref> He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/05/18/ufc-rochester-results-charles-oliveira-tkos-nik-lentz-trilogy/|title=UFC Rochester Results: Charles Oliveira TKOs Nik Lentz in trilogy fight|last=Shillan|first=Keith|date=2019-05-18|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>


Lentz was expected to face [[Nad Narimani]] at [[UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos]] on January 25, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/3/21047917/nik-lentz-vs-nad-narimani-booked-for-ufc-raleigh|title=Nik Lentz vs. Nad Narimani booked for UFC Raleigh|author=Peter Carroll|date=January 3, 2020|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref> However, that fight was scrapped due to injury; instead, Lentz then faced [[Arnold Allen (fighter)|Arnold Allen]], another featherweight whose original opponent for the event dropped out. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/15/21067212/arnold-allen-set-to-face-nik-lentz-at-ufc-raleigh|title=Arnold Allen set to face Nik Lentz at UFC Raleigh|date=2020-01-15|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-01-15}}</ref> Lentz lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/01/25/ufc-raleigh-results-arnold-allen-vs-nik-lentz/|title=UFC Raleigh Results: Arnold Allen remains perfect in the Octagon with win Over Nik Lentz|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-01-25|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref>
Lentz was expected to face [[Nad Narimani]] at [[UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos]] on January 25, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/3/21047917/nik-lentz-vs-nad-narimani-booked-for-ufc-raleigh|title=Nik Lentz vs. Nad Narimani booked for UFC Raleigh|author=Peter Carroll|date=January 3, 2020|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref> However, the fight was scrapped due to injury and Lentz instead faced [[Arnold Allen (fighter)|Arnold Allen]], whose original opponent for the event had also dropped out.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/15/21067212/arnold-allen-set-to-face-nik-lentz-at-ufc-raleigh|title=Arnold Allen set to face Nik Lentz at UFC Raleigh|date=2020-01-15|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-01-15}}</ref> Lentz lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/01/25/ufc-raleigh-results-arnold-allen-vs-nik-lentz/|title=UFC Raleigh Results: Arnold Allen remains perfect in the Octagon with win Over Nik Lentz|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-01-25|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref>


Lentz was expected to face [[Mike Grundy]] on January 16, 2021 at [[UFC on ABC 1]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/nik-lentz-vs-mike-grundy-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-evenement-op-16-januari-2021/|title=Nik Lentz vs. Mike Grundy added to UFC event on January 16, 2021|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Staff|date=2020-11-22|access-date=2020-11-23}} {{in lang|nl}}</ref>However, a member of Grundy's team tested positive for COVID-19, hence Lentz was given a new opponent off [[Movsar Evloev]] who he faced at [[UFC 257]] on January 24, 2021.<!-- Event took place on January 24, 2021 at UAE. - DO NOT CHANGE Local date (January 24) as per [[MOS:TIME|Manual of Style ("Time" section)]] Wikipedia guideline --> <ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff|date=2021-01-10|title=With Mike Grundy out Saturday, Nik Lentz moves to UFC 257 vs. Movsar Evloev|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/nik-lentz-vs-movsar-evloev-ufc-257-mike-grundy-out-coronavirus-fight-booking-mma|access-date=2021-01-10|website=MMAjunkie|language=en-US}}</ref>Lentz lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fortune|first=Ryan|date=2021-01-23|title=UFC 257 Results: Movsar Evloev Overcomes Early Submission Scare, Batters Nik Lentz En Route to Decision Victory|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/01/23/ufc-257-results-movsar-evloev-overcomes-early-submission-scare-batters-nik-lentz-en-route-to-decision-victory/|access-date=2021-01-24|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Lentz was expected to face [[Mike Grundy]] on January 16, 2021, at [[UFC on ABC 1]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/nik-lentz-vs-mike-grundy-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-evenement-op-16-januari-2021/|title=Nik Lentz vs. Mike Grundy added to UFC event on January 16, 2021|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Staff|date=2020-11-22|access-date=2020-11-23}} {{in lang|nl}}</ref> However, a member of Grundy's team tested positive for COVID-19, and Lentz instead faced [[Movsar Evloev]] on January 24, 2021, at [[UFC 257]].<!-- Event took place on January 24, 2021 at UAE. - DO NOT CHANGE Local date (January 24) as per [[MOS:TIME|Manual of Style ("Time" section)]] Wikipedia guideline --><ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff|date=2021-01-10|title=With Mike Grundy out Saturday, Nik Lentz moves to UFC 257 vs. Movsar Evloev|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/nik-lentz-vs-movsar-evloev-ufc-257-mike-grundy-out-coronavirus-fight-booking-mma|access-date=2021-01-10|website=MMAjunkie|language=en-US}}</ref> Lentz lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fortune|first=Ryan|date=2021-01-23|title=UFC 257 Results: Movsar Evloev Overcomes Early Submission Scare, Batters Nik Lentz En Route to Decision Victory|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/01/23/ufc-257-results-movsar-evloev-overcomes-early-submission-scare-batters-nik-lentz-en-route-to-decision-victory/|access-date=2021-01-24|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>


After the loss, the next day Lentz announced his retirement, saying that it was due to him losing 40% of his vision after suffering a series of eye pokes in the fight with Arnold Allen, which required surgery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/1/24/22247010/ufc-257-nik-lentz-says-his-time-with-the-ufc-is-over-cites-severe-loss-of-vision-mma-news|title=Nik Lentz says his time with UFC is over, cites severe loss of vision from eye poke injury|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Tim Bissell|date=2021-01-24|access-date=2021-01-24}}</ref>
After the loss, the next day Lentz announced his retirement, saying that it was due to him losing 40% of his vision after his fight with [[Arnold Allen (fighter)|Arnold Allen]], which required surgery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/1/24/22247010/ufc-257-nik-lentz-says-his-time-with-the-ufc-is-over-cites-severe-loss-of-vision-mma-news|title=Nik Lentz says his time with UFC is over, cites severe loss of vision from eye poke injury|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Tim Bissell|date=2021-01-24|access-date=2021-01-24}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Lentz and his wife have two daughters, Lysanna (born December 9, 2016) and Lavinia (born May 21, 2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/nik-lentz-is-a-new-man|title=Nik Lentz Is A New Man|date=May 13, 2019|publisher=ufc.com|author=E. Spencer Kyte}}</ref> Outside of UFC, Lentz works as a [[Futures contract|futures trader]].
Lentz and his wife have two daughters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/nik-lentz-is-a-new-man|title=Nik Lentz Is A New Man|date=May 13, 2019|publisher=ufc.com|author=E. Spencer Kyte}}</ref> Outside of UFC, Lentz works as a [[Futures contract|futures trader]].{{cn|date=March 2023}}


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
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|[[Danny Castillo]]
|[[Danny Castillo]]
| Decision (split)
| Decision (split)
|[[UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cerrone 2]]
|[[UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2]]
|{{dts|2015|December|19}}
|{{dts|2015|December|19}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
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|align=center| 9–2
|align=center| 9–2
|Duran Barlow
|Duran Barlow
|Submission (punches)
|TKO (submission to punches)
|EFX: Fury
|EFX: Fury
|{{dts|2006|December|7}}
|{{dts|2006|December|7}}
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|align=center| 4–0
|align=center| 4–0
|Derek Abram
|Derek Abram
|Submission (punches)
|TKO (submission to punches)
|EFX
|EFX
|{{dts|2005|December|5}}
|{{dts|2005|December|5}}
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|align=center| 2–0
|align=center| 2–0
|Anthony White
|Anthony White
|Submission (punches)
|TKO (submission to punches)
|XKK: Trials
|XKK: Trials
|{{dts|2005|August|27}}
|{{dts|2005|August|27}}
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[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:People from Bloomington, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bloomington, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers wrestlers]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers wrestlers]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota alumni]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota alumni]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]

Latest revision as of 23:59, 30 October 2024

This article is about the mixed martial artist. For the professional baseball umpire, see Nic Lentz.

Nik Lentz
Nik Lentz post fight interview at UFC 229 on Oct 6, 2018
BornNik Lentz
(1984-08-13) August 13, 1984 (age 40)
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Other namesThe Carny
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]
Weight156 lb (71 kg; 11 st 2 lb)
DivisionWelterweight
Lightweight
Featherweight
Reach68 in (173 cm)[1]
StyleWrestling
Fighting out ofEden Prairie, Minnesota, U.S.
TeamMinnesota Martial Arts Academy, American Top Team (2012–2017)
Combat Club (2017–2021)[2]
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3]
WrestlingNCAA Division I Wrestling[4]
Years active2005–2021
Mixed martial arts record
Total45
Wins30
By knockout11
By submission8
By decision11
Losses12
By knockout3
By submission2
By decision7
Draws2
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Nik Lentz (born August 13, 1984) is an American retired mixed martial artist. He most notably fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, fighting in the lightweight division.

Background

[edit]

Lentz was born in El Paso, Texas but grew up in Twin Cities area of Minnesota, attending Bloomington Jefferson High School. In high school he wrestled, and was a state champion in Minnesota. After graduating in 2003, he was awarded a scholarship to wrestle for the University of Minnesota. In 2005, he started training in MMA. He trained in Chinese martial arts with Luis Quiroz, switched to Team Bison, and then switched to Minnesota Martial Arts Academy alongside former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, former UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk, and former Strikeforce and UFC middleweight Paul Bradley.

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Lentz made his professional debut in 2005 against Anthony White. The fight ended after Lentz knocked out White sometime during the first round. His next fight ended in the same way as the first with Lentz earning himself his second consecutive KO win. His third fight showed off Lentz's power in his hands after he forced his opponent to submit to punches.

Lentz went 4–0 after securing a rear naked choke submission win over Kenneth Allen. His first loss came out the hands of Sherron Leggett from a razor thin split decision. Lentz bounced back with a knock out win over Chris Powers. On a card held by Ultimate Combat Sports, Lentz submitted Jake Hoyer using a rear naked choke.

In August 2006, Lentz took his second loss from Brian Green who submitted him using an armbar in the first round. Lentz won his next three fights, all with first-round knockouts; one of the three was against Bellator lightweight, Carey Vanier.

Lentz had a grueling back-and-forth battle with Mark Moreno before the fight ended in disappointment when the cage-side doctors ruled Lentz unable to continue. After the loss to Moreno, Lentz went on to compile a 7–0–1 record in his next 8 fights including a victory over UFC veteran, Drew Fickett. He was then signed by the UFC and entered with a 16–3–1 record.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

In August 2009, it was announced Lentz had been signed with the UFC, and he would make his debut at UFC 103. He replaced an injured Dan Lauzon and upset Rafaello Oliveira, winning via unanimous decision with scores of 29–28, 29–28, and 30–27.

Again being the underdog, Lentz faced Thiago Tavares on January 11, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 20, with the fight ending in a rare majority draw.[5]

Lentz moved his UFC record to 2–0–1 by defeating TUF 5 alum Rob Emerson on March 21, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 21, via unanimous decision.

In his fourth UFC appearance, Lentz defeated Andre Winner on August 28, 2010, at UFC 118 via unanimous decision (30–27 (twice) and 29–28). The match was shown on Spike TV before the Pay-Per-View event. Lentz scored multiple take-downs throughout the fight but was not able to capitalize on them. The fight was criticized for lack of action.[6][7]

Lentz got a huge victory over Tyson Griffin on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123 via split decision.[8]

At UFC Fight Night 24, Lentz fought and defeated division II national wrestling champion, Waylon Lowe.[9] After Lowe won the first and second rounds convincingly, Lentz came back in the third and scored an impressive come from behind submission win.[10]

Lentz faced Charles Oliveira on June 26, 2011, at UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry.[11] The fight ended in the second round after Oliveira hit Lentz with an illegal knee which went unnoticed by the referee and submitted the dazed Lentz via rear naked choke. However, after reviewing the incident, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission overturned the result and declared it a no contest.[12] The back and forth action earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors.[13]

Lentz was defeated by Mark Bocek on December 10, 2011, at UFC 140 via unanimous decision.[14] Lentz was taken down all three rounds and controlled despite threatening Bocek twice with a guillotine choke in rounds 1 and 2.

Lentz faced Evan Dunham on January 28, 2012, at UFC on Fox 2, where he replaced an injured Paul Sass.[15] Lentz lost via TKO, due to doctor stoppage because of a large cut under his left eye. The fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[16]

Lentz made his featherweight debut against Eiji Mitsuoka on August 11, 2012, at UFC 150.[17] Lentz controlled the entirety of the fight and won the fight via TKO in the first round.[18]

In his second fight at featherweight, Lentz faced Diego Nunes on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision in what is arguably the biggest victory of his career.[20]

Lentz went back to Brazil for the second fight in a row and faced Hacran Dias on May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX 8, replacing an injured Manvel Gamburyan.[21] He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.[22]

Lentz was briefly linked to a bout with Dennis Bermudez on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31.[23] However, Lentz was pulled from the pairing with Bermudez and instead faced Chad Mendes on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9.[24] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Lentz faced Manvel Gamburyan on May 10, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 40.[25] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Lentz was expected to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.[26] At the event weigh in, Oliveira came in over the 146 pound featherweight limit at 150 pounds. Subsequently, he was initially forced to surrender 20 percent of his purse to Lentz and the bout was changed to a catchweight affair.[27] Subsequently, Oliveira pulled out of the bout entirely after falling ill the day of the event.[28]

Lentz was expected to face Thiago Tavares in a rematch on February 14, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 60.[29] However, Tavares pulled out of the bout citing injury in late January and was replaced by promotional newcomer Levan Makashvili.[30] Subsequently, for the second fight in a row, Lentz had a fight cancelled at the weigh ins as the pairing was scrapped as Lentz was stricken with flu-like symptoms.[31]

Lentz finally faced Charles Oliveira in a rematch on May 30, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 67.[32] Following a back-and-forth first two rounds, Lentz lost the fight via guillotine submission in the third round.[33] Despite the loss, Lentz was awarded a Fight of the Night bonus award.[34]

Lentz faced Danny Castillo in a lightweight bout on December 19, 2015, at UFC on Fox 17.[35] He won the fight by split decision.[36]

Lentz was expected to face Mairbek Taisumov on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203.[37] However, Taisumov was removed from the event during the week before the event for alleged visa issues and was replaced by promotional newcomer Michael McBride.[38] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[39]

Lentz faced Islam Makhachev on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208.[40] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[41]

Lentz faced Will Brooks on October 7, 2017, at UFC 216.[42] However the pairing was scrapped during the weigh-ins for the event, as Lentz was stricken with "medical issues" and deemed unfit to compete.[43] The pairing with Brooks was rescheduled and took place on November 19, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 121.[44] Lentz won the fight via submission in the second round.[45] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.[46]

Lentz was expected to face Leonardo Santos on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.[47] However, it was reported on April 28, 2018, that Santos was pulled from the event due to a hand injury.[48] He was replaced by David Teymur.[49] Lentz lost the fight via unanimous decision.[50]

Lentz faced former title challenger Gray Maynard on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229.[51] He won the fight via TKO in the second round after dropping Maynard with a head kick and following up with punches.[52]

Lentz faced Scott Holtzman on February 17, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 1.[53] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[54]

A third fight with Charles Oliveira took place on May 18, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 152.[55] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[56]

Lentz was expected to face Nad Narimani at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos on January 25, 2020.[57] However, the fight was scrapped due to injury and Lentz instead faced Arnold Allen, whose original opponent for the event had also dropped out.[58] Lentz lost the fight via unanimous decision.[59]

Lentz was expected to face Mike Grundy on January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC 1.[60] However, a member of Grundy's team tested positive for COVID-19, and Lentz instead faced Movsar Evloev on January 24, 2021, at UFC 257.[61] Lentz lost the fight via split decision.[62]

After the loss, the next day Lentz announced his retirement, saying that it was due to him losing 40% of his vision after his fight with Arnold Allen, which required surgery.[63]

Personal life

[edit]

Lentz and his wife have two daughters.[64] Outside of UFC, Lentz works as a futures trader.[citation needed]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
45 matches 30 wins 12 losses
By knockout 11 3
By submission 8 2
By decision 11 7
Draws 2
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 30–12–2 (1) Movsar Evloev Decision (split) UFC 257 January 24, 2021 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Loss 30–11–2 (1) Arnold Allen Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos January 25, 2020 3 5:00 Raleigh, North Carolina, United States Return to Featherweight.
Loss 30–10–2 (1) Charles Oliveira TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Lee May 18, 2019 2 2:11 Rochester, New York, United States
Win 30–9–2 (1) Scott Holtzman Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez February 17, 2019 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 29–9–2 (1) Gray Maynard TKO (head kick and punches) UFC 229 October 6, 2018 2 1:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 28–9–2 (1) David Teymur Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes June 1, 2018 3 5:00 Utica, New York, United States
Win 28–8–2 (1) Will Brooks Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura November 19, 2017 2 2:05 Sydney, Australia Performance of the Night.
Loss 27–8–2 (1) Islam Makhachev Decision (unanimous) UFC 208 February 11, 2017 3 5:00 Brooklyn, New York, United States
Win 27–7–2 (1) Michael McBride TKO (punches) UFC 203 September 10, 2016 2 4:17 Cleveland, Ohio, United States Catchweight (158 lb) bout; McBride missed weight.
Win 26–7–2 (1) Danny Castillo Decision (split) UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 December 19, 2015 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 25–7–2 (1) Charles Oliveira Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves May 30, 2015 3 1:10 Goiânia, Brazil Fight of the Night.
Win 25–6–2 (1) Manvel Gamburyan Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Silva May 10, 2014 3 5:00 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Loss 24–6–2 (1) Chad Mendes Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 December 14, 2013 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States
Win 24–5–2 (1) Hacran Dias Decision (unanimous) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold May 18, 2013 3 5:00 Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil
Win 23–5–2 (1) Diego Nunes Decision (unanimous) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping January 19, 2013 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 22–5–2 (1) Eiji Mitsuoka TKO (punches) UFC 150 August 11, 2012 1 3:45 Denver, Colorado, United States Featherweight debut.
Loss 21–5–2 (1) Evan Dunham TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis January 28, 2012 2 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 21–4–2 (1) Mark Bocek Decision (unanimous) UFC 140 December 10, 2011 3 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NC 21–3–2 (1) Charles Oliveira NC (overturned) UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry June 26, 2011 2 1:48 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Fight of the Night. Originally a submission (rear-naked choke) win for Oliveira; overturned due to an illegal knee landed by Oliveira.
Win 21–3–2 Waylon Lowe Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis March 26, 2011 3 2:24 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 20–3–2 Tyson Griffin Decision (split) UFC 123 November 20, 2010 3 5:00 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Win 19–3–2 Andre Winner Decision (unanimous) UFC 118 August 28, 2010 3 5:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win 18–3–2 Rob Emerson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi March 31, 2010 3 5:00 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Draw 17–3–2 Thiago Tavares Draw (majority) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz January 11, 2010 3 5:00 Fairfax, Virginia, United States Tavares was deducted 1 point due to a groin kick.
Win 17–3–1 Rafaello Oliveira Decision (unanimous) UFC 103 September 19, 2009 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 16–3–1 Nick Walker TKO (punches) EC 127: Extreme Challenge 127 May 30, 2009 1 2:15 Rochester, Minnesota, United States
Win 15–3–1 Drew Fickett Decision (unanimous) EB: Beatdown at 4 Bears March 21, 2009 3 5:00 New Town, North Dakota, United States Welterweight bout.
Win 14–3–1 Sam Rouch Decision (unanimous) SNMMA: Beatdown 4 at Bears October 11, 2008 3 5:00 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Win 13–3–1 Dan Loman Submission (guillotine choke) Brutaal Fight Night September 5, 2008 1 4:13 Maplewood, Minnesota, United States
Win 12–3–1 Travis Pierzinski Submission (rear-naked choke) Brutaal Fight Night May 21, 2008 2 3:45 Maplewood, Minnesota, United States
Win 11–3–1 Scott Bickerstaff TKO (punches) Xtreme Fighting Organization 22 February 23, 2008 1 3:49 Crystal Lake, Illinois, United States
Draw 10–3–1 Kyle Jensen Draw CFX 7: Brutal November 29, 2007 3 5:00 St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States
Win 10–3 Gabe Wallbridge Submission (rear-naked choke) EFX: Myth in Maplewood September 19, 2007 1 N/A Maplewood, Minnesota, United States
Loss 9–3 Mark Moreno TKO (doctor stoppage) X-1: Extreme Fighting 2 March 17, 2007 1 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 9–2 Duran Barlow TKO (submission to punches) EFX: Fury December 7, 2006 1 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win 8–2 Vern Jefferson TKO (punches) EFX September 6, 2006 1 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win 7–2 Carey Vanier TKO (punches) EFX September 6, 2006 1 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Loss 6–2 Brian Green Submission (armbar) EFX August 2, 2006 1 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Welterweight bout.
Win 6–1 Chris Powers Submission (rear-naked choke) EFX: Fury July 24, 2006 1 1:44 Andover, Minnesota, United States
Loss 5–1 Sherron Leggett Decision (split) Twin Cities Throwdown April 8, 2006 3 5:00 Burnsville, Minnesota, United States
Win 5–0 Kenneth Allen Submission (rear-naked choke) EFX: Fury February 1, 2006 2 N/A Burnsville, Minnesota, United States
Win 4–0 Derek Abram TKO (submission to punches) EFX December 5, 2005 1 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win 3–0 Nick Melton TKO (punches) XKK: Lamar October 10, 2005 1 N/A Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States
Win 2–0 Anthony White TKO (submission to punches) XKK: Trials August 27, 2005 1 N/A Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 1–0 Jake Hoyer Submission (rear-naked choke) UCS - Throwdown at the T-Bar July 30, 2005 1 N/A Ellsworth, Minnesota, United States

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Condit vs. Alves". UFC.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  2. ^ Nick Baldwin (August 14, 2017). "Nik Lentz explains why he left American Top Team for nearby Combat Club". bloodyelbow.com.
  3. ^ John Heinis (September 13, 2013). "Nik Lentz to Conor McGregor: 'You're as Fragile as an Overdone Egg'". Bleacher Report.
  4. ^ "Nik Lentz - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  5. ^ "UFC Fight Night 20 recap". mmajunkie. January 12, 2010. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010.
  6. ^ "Dan Hardy criticizes Nik Lentz for his win at all cost style against Andre Winner, accuses him of cheating". MMABay.
  7. ^ Steve Cofield. "Lentz takes slow-paced fight against Winner at UFC 118". Yahoo!.
  8. ^ "Nik Lentz vs. Tyson Griffin targeted for UFC 123". mmajunkie.com. September 9, 2010.
  9. ^ "Lightweights Nik Lentz and Waylon Lowe meet at UFN 24". mmadiehards.com. February 17, 2011.
  10. ^ "UFC Fight Night 24 play by play and live results". MMAjunkie.
  11. ^ "Oliveira vs. Lentz on June 26th". ufc.com. April 27, 2011.
  12. ^ "PSAC: UFC on Versus 4's Oliveira vs. Lentz overturned, declared a no-contest". mmajunkie.com. June 29, 2011. Archived from the original on July 3, 2011.
  13. ^ Morgan, John; Stupp, Dann (June 26, 2011). "UFC on Versus 4 bonuses: Kongo, Lauzon, Oliveira and Lentz earn $50K awards". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  14. ^ "Nik Lentz vs Mark Bocek fight slated for Dec. 10 in Toronto". mmamania.com. September 12, 2011.
  15. ^ "Evan Dunham vs Nik Lentz announced for UFC on Fox 2 with Paul Sass scratched". mmamania.com. December 26, 2011.
  16. ^ "UFC on FOX 2 bonuses: Johnson, Oliveira, Dunham, Lentz earn $65K awards". mmajunkie.com. January 28, 2012. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012.
  17. ^ "UFC 150 in Denver adds Lentz-Mitsuoka". mmajunkie.com. June 4, 2012. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012.
  18. ^ "UFC 150 results: Nik Lentz dominates Eiji Mitsuoka in featherweight debut". June 12, 2012.
  19. ^ "Diego Nunes meets Nik Lentz when UFC returns to Brazil on Jan. 19". mmajunkie.com. November 2, 2012. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012.
  20. ^ Mike Chiapetta (January 19, 2013). "UFC on FX 7 results: Nik Lentz grinds out win over Diego Nunes". mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  21. ^ Staff (March 25, 2013). "Nik Lentz replaces Manny Gamburyan, meets Hacran Dias at UFC on FX 8". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  22. ^ Steven Marrocco (May 19, 2013). "UFC on FX 8 results/photos: Nik Lentz grinds out win over Hacran Dias". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  23. ^ John Petit (August 23, 2013). "Nik Lentz Vs Dennis Bermudez Signed For UFN 31". fighters.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  24. ^ Ariel Helwani (September 17, 2013). "Chad Mendes vs. Nik Lentz booked for UFC on FOX 9". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  25. ^ Staff (February 20, 2014). "Manny Gamburyan vs. Nik Lentz added to UFC Fight Night in Cincinnati". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  26. ^ Jacob Cooper (July 10, 2014). "Charles Oliveira vs Nik Lentz 2 heading to UFC Fight Night 50". cagepages.com. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  27. ^ Staff (September 4, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 44 weigh-in results: Headliners good, Oliveira four pounds heavy". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  28. ^ Matt Erickson (September 5, 2014). "Charles Oliveira pulled from Nik Lentz bout at UFC Fight Night 50". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  29. ^ Staff (November 25, 2014). "Nik Lentz vs. Thiago Tavares rematch set for UFC Fight Night 60 in Colorado". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
  30. ^ Staff (February 3, 2015). "Nik Lentz faces newcomer Levan Makashvili at next week's UFC Fight Night 60". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  31. ^ Mike Bohn (February 13, 2015). "Nik Lentz vs Levan Makashvili scratched from UFC Fight Night 60 lineup". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  32. ^ Staff (May 14, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 67: Condit vs. Alves fight card lineup finalized". themmareport.com. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  33. ^ Thomas Myers (May 31, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 67 results: Charles Oliveira submits Nik Lentz late in action-packed rematch". mmamania.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  34. ^ Jason Henderson (May 31, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 67 Bonus Awards". fightofthenight.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  35. ^ Staff (August 25, 2015). "Nik Lentz moving back to lightweight, meets Danny Castillo at UFC on FOX 17". themmareport.com. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  36. ^ John Morgan (December 19, 2015). "UFC on FOX 17 results: Nik Lentz outworks Danny Castillo for split-decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  37. ^ Tristen Critchfield (June 15, 2016). "UFC 203 update: Mairbek Taisumov to face Nik Lentz on Sept. 10 in Cleveland". sherdog.com. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  38. ^ Danny Segura (September 1, 2016). "Nik Lentz gets late replacement Michael McBride at UFC 203". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  39. ^ Ben Fowlkes (September 10, 2016). "UFC 203 results: Nik Lentz stops gritty and awkward Michael McBride with second-round TKO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  40. ^ Danny Segura (December 15, 2016). "Three new bouts added to UFC 208". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  41. ^ Ben Fowlkes (February 11, 2017). "UFC 208 results: Islam Makhachev works over Nik Lentz for dominant unanimous decision". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  42. ^ Steven Marrocco (July 23, 2017). "Nik Lentz, Will Brooks agree to fight each other at UFC 216 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  43. ^ Staff (October 6, 2017). "UFC 216 loses a featured prelim on eve of event". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  44. ^ Steven Marrocco (October 16, 2017). "Will Brooks vs. Nik Lentz targeted for UFC Fight Night 121". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  45. ^ "UFC Fight Night 121 results: Nik Lentz chokes out 5-1 favorite, ex-teammate Will Brooks". MMAjunkie. November 19, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  46. ^ a b Mazique, Brian. "UFC Fight Night 121 Werdum Vs. Tybura Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, Analysis, Attendance, Gate". Forbes. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  47. ^ Staff (April 16, 2018). "Nik Lentz vs. Leonardo Santos is 13th addition to UFC Utica". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  48. ^ "Leonardo Santos injured, out of UFC Utica fight with Nik Lentz". MMA Fighting. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  49. ^ Alexander K. Lee (May 1, 2018). "David Teymur steps in to fight Nik Lentz at UFC Utica". mmafighting.com. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  50. ^ "UFC Fight Night 131 results: David Teymur outworks gritty Nik Lentz for decision". MMAjunkie. June 2, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  51. ^ "Gray Maynard returns to lightweight vs. Nik Lentz at UFC 229 in Las Vegas". MMAjunkie. August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  52. ^ "UFC 229 play-by-play and live results". MMAjunkie. October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  53. ^ Marcel Dorff (December 13, 2018). "Scott Holtzman meets Nik Lentz during UFC on ESPN 1 in Phoenix". mmadna.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  54. ^ "UFC on ESPN 1 results: Nik Lentz grind tops Scott Holtzman in gutsy battle". MMAjunkie. February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  55. ^ Staff (April 15, 2019). "UFC Rochester gets Charles Oliveira vs. Nik Lentz trilogy fight". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  56. ^ Shillan, Keith (May 18, 2019). "UFC Rochester Results: Charles Oliveira TKOs Nik Lentz in trilogy fight". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  57. ^ Peter Carroll (January 3, 2020). "Nik Lentz vs. Nad Narimani booked for UFC Raleigh". mmafighting.com.
  58. ^ "Arnold Allen set to face Nik Lentz at UFC Raleigh". MMA Fighting. January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  59. ^ Anderson, Jay (January 25, 2020). "UFC Raleigh Results: Arnold Allen remains perfect in the Octagon with win Over Nik Lentz". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  60. ^ Staff (November 22, 2020). "Nik Lentz vs. Mike Grundy added to UFC event on January 16, 2021". mmadna.nl. Retrieved November 23, 2020. (in Dutch)
  61. ^ Staff (January 10, 2021). "With Mike Grundy out Saturday, Nik Lentz moves to UFC 257 vs. Movsar Evloev". MMAjunkie. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  62. ^ Fortune, Ryan (January 23, 2021). "UFC 257 Results: Movsar Evloev Overcomes Early Submission Scare, Batters Nik Lentz En Route to Decision Victory". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  63. ^ Tim Bissell (January 24, 2021). "Nik Lentz says his time with UFC is over, cites severe loss of vision from eye poke injury". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  64. ^ E. Spencer Kyte (May 13, 2019). "Nik Lentz Is A New Man". ufc.com.
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