Nik "The Carny" Lentz

Association: Minnesota Martial Arts Academy
Country: USA
DOB: 8/13/1984
Height: 5' 8" (172.72 cm)
Weight: 156 lbs (71 kg)

Biography

Though his background is linked to Minnesota, Nik Lentz was actually born in El Paso, Texas on August 13, 1984. He attended Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minnesota where he graduated with the class of 2003 and was a vital member of the Jefferson High wrestling team. After graduation he continued onto the University of Minnesota where he had received a scholarship to continue his wrestling career. Lentz brought his skills to the University mats all the while striving for his degree in biology as a pre-med which is currently within but one semester’s distance of achieving. Deeming himself a “nerd”, Lentz also delegated an online video game and collectibles market all throughout his school career.

Training Background

While wrestling for the University of Minnesota, Nik Lentz realized his genuine talent and love for the sport and decided to take his wrestling fad to a new level. In 2005, Lentz began to train for MMA. He began fighting without much training to support his trials, but succeeded in nine victories throughout that year. In the first year Lentz was steamrolling with a variety of KOs, TKOs, and submissions. Recognizing his own talent in the sport, Lentz made a defining decision to intensify his dedication by leaving the University of Minnesota, lacking only one semester in earning his degree.

Early Career

Despite his lack of technical skill, he was a force to be reckoned with. He went 4-0 in his first four fights, the first win being his debut fight against Anthony White which Lentz dominated with a 1st round knockout. A second, consecutive knockout victory followed, while his third opponent submitted to a storm of Lentz’s punches. His fourth battle reaped another win against Kenneth Allen. Lentz’s fifth fight brought devastation to the rising star when his loss was brought by a divided and controversial judgmental decision. The loss was only fuel to Lentz’s fiery passion for the sport as he triumphed in his next two fights against Chris Powers and Jake Hoyer, where he utilized the rear naked choke hold. Lentz’s 2nd loss in his career came in August 2006 when he submitted to a threatening arm bar by Brian Green. Taking it as a lesson, Lentz ventured on from his loss to dominate his next 3 fights with 1st round KOs, one off which against Bellator lightweight Carey Vanier). His pivot point match came in 2007 against Mark Moreno. This tug-of –war battle between the two fighters was suspenseful and gruesome. Lentz’s 3rd loss came when the cage side doctors ruled he was unable to continue the fight against Moreno. Realizing he needed more than passion and talent to lead the league, Lentz began his training at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy. This new route of method allowed Lentz to go into his fights better prepared and begin a new chapter of his career. After his revitalizing loss to Moreno, Lentz brought a new heat to UFC veteran Drew Fickett in his 16th victory.

UFC Career

It was no surprise when Lentz got a call to become a genuine UFC fighter. In August 2009, it was announced that Lentz was officially signed with UFC. With a new manager, and better training, his skill improvement and power in the cage was inevitable. Lentz entered the UFC league with a 16-3-1 record and debuted at UFC 103. Replacing the injured Dan Lauzon, Lentz took on fellow newcomer and BJ Penn training partner Rafaello Oliveira. This underdog victory was a unanimous decision with Lentz scoring 29-28, 29-28, 30-27. Lentz encountered a rare majority draw in his next fight against Thiago Tavares at UFC Fight Night 20. Lentz continuously made his name known and feared and carried onto UFC Fight Night 21 in North Carolina. Lentz’s record grew to 2-0-1 when he defeated Rob Emerson, a TUF 5 alumni in yet another unanimous judgment. On August 28, 2010, Nik took on rising star Andre Winner and won yet another decision. It was considered one of Lentz's low points, as the fight was considered by most as "boring" and "timid". Lentz took the criticism to heart and look to expand not only his skills in the cage, but his approach to fighting. Soon after he got the call that his next opponent would be Tyson Griffin. In an exciting three round battle, Lentz beat the Xtreme Couture stand out. Now with a victory against one of the top contenders in the 155 lb division "The Carny" was picking up some of the lost momentum from the Winner fight. On March 26, Lentz won via guillotine choke in his most exciting fight to date in the UFC against Waylon Lowe. Look for Lentz to keep the winning streak going as he continues his raise up the 155 lb ladder.