Dark horse UFC featherweight contender Nik Lentz is fired up over fellow 145-pounder Conor McGregor’s recent Twitter callout of the entire top 10 of the division.
In an interview with Bloody Elbow, Lent didn’t pull any punches when he was asked about McGregor’s claim that the high-level grappler is “boring.”
First order of business is to slow your stroll, sonnyboy. Beat a few guys before you start sounding off. You had the perfect venue, a receptive crowd, and all the time in the world to prepare. And what did you do? What did you prove? You landed every punch you know how to throw and the guy didn’t blink. Same with your dazzling arsenal of impact-free kicks. Then you went to your so-called “wrestling skills” and did absolute squat on the mat as well. Then you got HURT! So you have no punching power, your kicks wouldn’t stagger a baby flamingo, you can’t wrestle, and you’re as fragile as an overdone egg. You blew your knee out PLANTING YOUR LEG to KICK. And you think you can stand up to the wear-and-tear of genuine, top-level competition? Please.
McGregor, who just turned 25 years old in July, is one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC’s featherweight division, riding a 10-fight win streak and a 2-0 record inside the Octagon.
However, he tore his ACL in his most recent decision victory over Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26 last month, an injury that will keep him on the shelf for approximately 10 months (via MMA Insider).
While McGregor has been impressive in recent memory, he remains unranked in the UFC’s official featherweight rankings, while Lentz makes the list at number 8.
Lentz, a scrappy fighter at lightweight, has rattled off three straight wins since shedding the extra 10 pounds to make the featherweight limit, showcasing excellent takedowns, top control and cardio.
However, his wrestle-heavy style (only two finishes in his past 12 fights) has drawn criticism from some fans and fighters alike.
“The Carny” last competed at UFC on FX 8 in May, winning a back-and-forth scrap against Hacran Dias.
While McGregor showed improved grappling in his bout with Holloway, he has never faced a wrestler with the credential of Lentz.
Lentz is a former Division I wrestler who has also earned his purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Upon McGregor’s return, Lentz seems very open to a matchup with his Irsh counterpart, since he believes he has a lot to prove.
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.
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