MMA Preview – Charles Oliveira vs Nik Lentz 3 at UFC Fight Night 152
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC Fight Night 152? Saturday 18th May, 2019 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 152? Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, New York
What channel is UFC Fight Night 152 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 152? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live and you can take advantage of a free trial with ESPN+ and subscribe now by clicking here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 152? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Charles Oliveira and Nik Lentz meet for a third time at UFC Fight Night 152. Oliveira submitted Lentz both times but their first scrap in 2011 was overturned into a ‘no contest’ as Oliveira hit Lentz with an illegal knee leading to the submission but he convincingly won their rematch in 2015.
Oliveira is still in his 20s but he travels to New York for his 24th UFC fight. When fighting in the UFC for that long, losses are inevitable but he is in superb form after winning his last four fights (Clay Guida, Christos Giagos, Jim Miller and David Teymur) and stretching his record of UFC submissions to 13. He also earned the ‘performance of the night’ bonus in these bouts and has looked as sharp as he as ever looked in his career.
Nik Lentz makes his 23rd UFC appearance hoping for a third win in a row but more importantly redemption over his familiar foe. He is coming off the back of a brilliant TKO over Gray Maynard and a dominant decision over Scott Holtzman.
THE PREDICTION
Let’s hope there is no controversy in this one. Despite Oliveira’s illegal knee in their first fight, both bouts were competitive with Lentz utilising his wrestling to subdue the Brazilian for as long as he could.
They are both even better fighters now and it will be fascinating to see the contest between Lentz’ wrestling and Olveira’s Jiu-Jitsu. However, the difference may come down to the striking of Oliveira. Lentz’ stand-up has also improved but the Brazilian has looked incredibly sharp on the feet and with that reach advantage, he has the ability to find the finish whether that be a knockout or strikes leading to yet another submission.
Winner: Oliveira via Submission
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
