MMA Preview – Movsar Evloev vs Nik Lentz at UFC 257
MOVSAR EVLOEV VS NIK LENTZ FACTS
When is UFC 257? Sunday 24th January, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 257? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 257? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC 257 on? BT Sport 1 (prelims) BT Sport Box Office (£19.95)
Where can I stream UFC 257? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website and app
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MOVSAR EVLOEV VS NIK LENTZ LOWDOWN
Movsar Evloev (13-0) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Mike Grundy on Fight Island back in July and now replaces him as the Brit had to pull out of his fight originally scheduled for UFC on ABC 1. One of Grundy’s cornermen tested positive for COVID-19 which is gutting but his loss is Evloev’s gain as he flies back to Fight Island with the opportunity to stretch his unbeaten record.
Nik Lentz (30-11-2 (1)) suffers another drop-out but he now gets to fight on a stacked Conor McGregor card and a win over Evloev would be huge at this stage of his career. The odds are stacked against him coming off two losses. He met Charles Oliveira for the third time in May 2019 getting knocked out and then met Arnold Allen a year ago losing a unanimous decision and he has been on the sidelines most the time nursing a terrible eye injury sustained in the fight.
MOVSAR EVLOEV VS NIK LENTZ PREDICTION
Lentz is the heavy underdog and that is not because he is coming off two losses, more the fact that Evloev is an absolute beast and one of the hottest prospects in the featherweight division. He is the former M-1 bantamweight champion and looked exceptional in his wins over Seung Woo Choi, Enrique Barzola and Grundy.
This is a catchweight bout at 150 lbs which may favour Lentz but Evloev’s grappling is on such a level it will not matter. Lentz is an exceptional wrestler himself but Evloev has already beaten an Olympian wrestler in Grundy and he also has the striking to win the stand-up battle.
Evloev’s Greco-Roman wrestling will be enough to counter Lentz’ more traditional style and the Russian should outland and keep Lentz and the end of his punches, but he will need a flawless performance to finish the veteran.
Prediction: Evloev via Decision
