Nik Lentz

Nikolas “The Carny” Lentz is a professional mixed martial arts fighter currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has been a part of the promotion since 2009, and is widely considered one of the most experienced fighters in the lightweight division.

Lentz was born on March 16th 1986 in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. As a young boy he participated in amateur wrestling and soon found himself competing in Greco-Roman style tournaments, eventually becoming a state champion while attending Mounds View High School. After graduating high school, Lentz moved to Florida where he began training at American Top Team. It was there that he would begin his MMA career including his first three wins by submission using techniques such as arm bar and guillotine choke.

Lentz made his UFC debut in 2009 against Thiago Tavares at UFC 103 during which he won by unanimous decision from all three judges. Since then Lentz has had an impressive record within the organization including notable victories over Ricardo Lamas (TKO), Charles Oliveira (split decsion) and Efrain Escudero (unanimous decision). Over time Nik developed into one of the most well rounded mixed martial artists due to his combination of grappling expertise, physical strength, cardio conditioning and striking power.

Throughout his career Nikola has remained involved with various charities throughout Minnesota as well as coaching aspiring fighters both on an amateur level and within local gyms around Minneapolis-St Paul area where he now resides permanently. In 2017 Nik received recognition for being voted “MMA Fighter Of The Year” by friends and family after defeating seasoned veteran Will Brooks via technical knockout during their fight at UFC 216 held in Las Vegas Nevada that same year..

Outside of MMA Nik spends much of his free time fishing or playing golf; hobbies which have become a passion for him over recent years since retiring from full-time competition inside Octagon cage back 2019 following win over upstart Miles Johns ending with rear naked choke submission victory at Madison Square Garden event hosted by ESPN company . With no plans to return back into action just yet fans can expect more speaking engagements or appearances interacting with fans through social media or other promotional platforms available today .