Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweights Nik Lentz and Charles Oliveira will rematch at UFC Fight Night 50 this Friday (Sept. 5, 2014) airing live on FOX Sports 1 from the Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut.
Since dropping to featherweight, Nik Lentz has been on fire. He's managed to climb up the UFC rankings and into the top 10, an achievement "The Carny" never managed during his lightweight tenure. A gritty mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran, Lentz is a tough fight for anyone in the division.
In his last bout, Lentz showcased his continued improvement under the tutelage of the excellent coaches at American Top Team (ATT) in his victory over Manny Gamburyan. In that bout, Lentz outclassed the "Anvil" in every aspect of MMA.
Similarly, his opponent Oliveira has greatly benefited from his drop to featherweight. He was initially finished by Cub Swanson, but followed it up with a respectable decision loss to perennial contender Frankie Edgar in a "Fight of the Night" battle. Then, he rebounded with two submission victories and subsequent "Performance of the Night" bonuses.
At just 24 years old, Oliveira is definitely a fighter to watch.
Now, let's take a look at the keys to victory for Lentz and Oliveira:
Nik Lentz
Record: 25-6-2 (1)
Key Wins: Hacran Dias (UFC on FX 8), Diego Nunes (UFC on FX 7), and Tyson Griffin (UFC 123)
Key Losses: Chad Mendes (UFC on FOX 9), Evan Dunham (UFC on FOX 2), Mark Bocek (UFC 140)
Keys to victory: A wrestler from the University of Minnesota, Lentz is one of the best grinding wrestlers in the UFC. With a relentless attack, big heart, and stiff chin, Lentz is a difficult challenge for even established veterans.
After going unbeaten in his first seven UFC fights, Lentz was defeated by Mark Bocek in a fairly dull contest. This originally earned "The Carny" his pink slip, but he returned to the Octagon on late notice to fill in against Evan Dunham. After delivering a "Fight of the Night" bonus-winning performance in defeat, he was given another chance as a featherweight.
Since then, Lentz has gone 4-1 in his new division.
During that "unbeaten" streak, Lentz took a beating at the hands of Charles Oliveira. However, an illegal knee set up the finish, and it was then overturned.
To avoid a similar outcome in his second match with "Do Bronx," Lentz needs to rely on his improving stand up skills. Oliveira's grappling game is a solid foil to all but the best top players, so it would be unwise for him to pursue the takedown.
Plus, shooting for takedowns is exhausting and could leave submissions open.
Instead, Lentz needs to embrace his aggressive, grinder mentality and attack the Brazilian early and often on the feet. Oliveira is relatively hittable and doesn't react well after being struck. Plus, Lentz seems to have found his power recently, evidenced in his knockdown of Hacran Dias.
It might also be smart for Lentz to work his clinch game. Oliveira may be taller, but Frankie Edgar was able to manhandle Oliveira inside the clinch, and even Andy Ogle managed to hit some clinch takedowns. Rather than follow Oliveira to the ground after hitting a throw, Lentz should punish him as he returns to his feet with punches and knees.
If Lentz keeps this fight dirty and stays aggressive, he just might be able to finish Oliveira.
Charles Oliveira
Record: 18-4 (1)
Key Wins: Hatsu Hioki (UFC Fight Night 43), Jonathon Brookins (The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale)
Key Losses: Frankie Edger (UFC 162), Cub Swanson (UFC 152), Jim Miller (UFC 124)
Keys to Victory: Oliveira was devastated when his win was overturned, and he now has a chance to set things straight.
In order to defeat Lentz, Oliveira needs to punish the wrestler at every step. By fully utilizing his lengthy build with jabs and kicks, Oliveira can make Lentz uncomfortable.
And when an accomplished wrestler like Nik Lentz is uncomfortable, he's going to shoot for the takedown.
Once Lentz is looking to force a grappling match, Oliveira should be on the lookout for any opportunity to damage or submit "The Carny." Whenever Lentz tries to grapple, Oliveira should meet him with a bevy of knees, elbows, and grappling maneuvers.
Simply put, Lentz still often puts him in a position to absorb strikes, which he usually just endures en route to a victory. However, Oliveira is a very volatile fighter, and if he's continually able to land strikes and attack with his black belt-level jiu-jitsu, he'll wear down "The Carny's" defenses and eventually finish the fight.
It's just important for him to avoid those pesky illegal knees this time.
Bottom Line: This is a very important (and personal) fight for both men. Neither are happy with how the last bout ended, nor do they want to be sent to the back of the line at featherweight, one of the UFC's most talent-rich divisions.
For Lentz, he finally broke into the top 10 in this new division and was put on the main card for the first time ever in his bout with Chad Mendes. If he wants to continue enjoying this success, it's imperative that he does not lose to a lower-ranked fighter like "Do Bronx."
Plus, this is his chance to really demonstrate his improved skill set against a tough opponent who once -- unofficially -- bested him.
Though his youth and exciting fight style makes this fight less do-or-die for Oliveira, it's still a big bout for him. He had a showcase performance against Lentz in their first match, and a loss would severely halt all the talk of improvement that currently surrounds him.
This is Oliveira's chance to announce to the world that he's finally ready to be a contender. After some impressive performances in his last three bouts, a loss to Lentz would certainly put the damper on ideas of him contending for a title any time soon.
Of course, a win could vault him into the top 10 and put him at most, a couple wins away from the title.
At UFC Fight Night 50, Nik Lentz and Charles Oliveira will collide in a rematch of their 2011 "Fight of the Night" bout. Who will emerge victorious?