Nik Lentz announces retirement following UFC 257: ‘I stand with my head high’
After 45 professional fights, including 25 appearances in the UFC, Nik Lentz is walking away from MMA competition.
On Saturday, in what would be his final fight, Lentz (30-12-2 MMA, 14-9-1 UFC) lost a split decision to Movsar Evloev on the UFC 257 prelims.
Afterward, the 36-year-old released a statement announcing his retirement alongside an image of him sporting facial damage from the Evloev fight. Lentz pointed to a serious eye injury sustained against Arnold Allen in January 2020 as a major factor in his decision to hang up his gloves.
“They say don’t make rash decisions after a loss, but this one is not rash or even quick for that matter,” Lentz wrote. “The injury I suffered to my eyes last year was a career-ender. In total I lost about 40% of my vision, but I wanted to see what one more hard-fought battle was like with the new eyes. It was clear to me last night that it’s impossible for me to compete at this level anymore. I just can’t lock on to a moving target like I should, and with 40% of my vision practically gone… it’s chaotic to (say) the least.
“My life as fighter in the best organization on the planet ends here. I am not sad or upset by it, the day comes for everyone. I stand with my head high, God as my redeemer and my children and wife as my treasure. Fighting gave those treasures and only ask for a little vision as payment. A trade I would make 100% of the time.”
“Thank you to my fans, my coaches, my family and everyone who has been a part of this process. Who knows what comes next for The Carny…. but I can tell you what it’s not.”
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Lentz made his UFC debut at UFC 103 in 2009. He never challenged for title gold over his 12-year UFC career, but he faced some of the toughest competitors at featherweight and lightweight, including Chad Mendes, Gray Maynard, Islam Makhachev, and Charles Oliveira three times.
Notable UFC wins for Lentz include Maynard, Will Brooks, Manny Gamburyan, Tyson Griffin, Hacran Dias, Danny Castillo, and Scott Holtzman.
Check out Lentz’s retirement post below:
UFC 257 took place Saturday at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.
