Originally posted by: AngelRenegade999
Date: September 09, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/tyson-griffin-vs-nik-lentz-on-tap-for-ufc-123.30150/
Tyson Griffin vs. Nik Lentz In The Works For UFC 123
UFC 123: Nik Lentz vs Tyson Griffin in the works for Nov. 20
Published on: 8th September, 2010
UFC 123: Nik Lentz vs Tyson Griffin in the works for Nov. 20 | read this item
The UFC lightweight division has been busy over the course of the past few weeks. Frankie Edgar’s title defense against BJ Penn, Gray Maynard becoming the number one contender and several lightweight bouts rumored and announced this week alone. Today we get to report another solid lightweight bout set for November 20, at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
According to MMAWeekly.com, a lightweight bout is in the works for UFC 123 between wrestlers Tyson Griffin and Nik Lentz.
Tyson Griffin (14-4) is coming off back to back losses and a fall in the rankings. Griffin lost to Xtreme Couture teammate, Evan Dunham on the UFC 115 televised preliminary card by unanimous decision. After the tough loss to Dunham, Griffin stepped in on short notice for Joe Stevenson against Takanori Gomi at the UFC on Versus 2 fight card. Griffin must have underrated Gomi’s punching power, because he almost got his head knocked off with a hook and lost by knockout.
Griffin appeared to be on cusp of a title shot after knocking out Hermes Franca, but appeared to be unable to capitalize on his success when returning from a injury against Dunham. Griffin must defeat Lentz in order to avoid a three fight losing streak and perhaps risking his roster spot.
Nik Lentz (19-3) has gone undefeated since making his UFC debut Rafaello Oliveira on the preliminary card of the “Franklin vs Belfort” a year ago. Since then Lentz has gone 3-0-1, with the only blemish on his record coming in the form of a draw against Thiago Tavares at UFC Fight Night 20.
Lentz was highly criticized in his last win over UK lightweight, Andre Winner on the UFC 118 televised preliminary card. Lentz dominated Winner with good wrestling and Octagon control, but was less then exciting in his victory.
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Wow, what is the UFC saying to Tyson Griffin by giving him Nik Lentz?... Or is the UFC strategically trying to get rid of Lentz by having Griffin dismantle him? Either way, this is just another weird fight to me that the UFC is setting up, I know Griffin has lost 3 of his past 5 bouts, but still I think this is a huge downgrade in competition for him, I thought he'd at the least get someone like Joe Stevenson, but I guess the UFC is trying to keep both fighters active is all I can think of.
