Photo by Getty Images via UFC.com
This Saturday night, UFC lightweights Nik ‘The Carny’ Lentz (21-3-2, 1NC) and Mark Bocek (9-4) will square off in the last bout of the Facebook prelim matches for UFC 140, which takes place in Toronto, Ontario.
Despite having a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, which includes seven submission victories to Bocek’s name, Lentz says he isn’t afraid to go to the ground against his Canadian opponent and plans on finishing the fight before the end of the second round.
Speaking to MMAMania.com, Lentz discussed his upcoming fight versus Bocek, the illegal knee by Charles Oliveira in his last bout, his thoughts on training, plus much more. So be sure to check out the interview by hitting the link.
Here is a portion of that interview.
Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): Going back to your Mark Bocek fight. He’s a really solid submission guy. Would you be confident taking him down and going to the ground with him?
Nik Lentz: Yeah, definitely. He’s actually more of a top jiu-jitsu guy so he likes to be on top. I’m not saying he’s bad off his back or anything but he’s definitely not your average jiu-jitsu black belt when it comes to being on the ground or on his back but he’s better than your average black belt in jiu-jitsu when he’s on top. I definitely will take him down if the opportunity is there. As far as just really good jiu-jitsu people just in the UFC, I think I’ve fought four or five high level black belts so Mark Bocek isn’t the first guy that’s been a very tough jiu-jitsu opponent for me.Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): When you’re visualizing success against Mark Bocek, when you close your eyes and think about this fight, what do you see?
Nik Lentz: I see me winning within two rounds. I see me with my hand raised.