SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Nik Lentz interacts with media during the final pre-fight press conference before the UFC on FOX event at Sleep Train Arena on December 12, 2013 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Nik Lentz announces retirement after suffering from 40 percent vision loss
UFC veteran lightweight and featherweight fighter Nik Lentz has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. Nicknamed “The Carny” Lentz fought in the UFC since 2009. His recent skid of losing three in a row has now been the end of his long MMA career. Lentz took to Instagram to announce his stepping away and explain the reasoning behind it.
“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 the least.”
This announcement comes after his split decision loss to Movsar Evloev last night at UFC 257. Throughout his career. Lentz has proven that he is a true warrior, taking on some of the best the UFc had to offer such as Charles Oliveira and Gray Maynard.
“My life as fighter in the best organization on the planet ends here,” Lentz wrote. “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.”
In his long UFC career, Lentz was involved in three Fight of the Night wars and won a Performance of the Night bonus for his submission victory over Will Brooks at UFC Sydney back in 2017.
