November 2, 2024

David Teymur steps in to fight Nik Lentz at UFC Utica

MMAfighting.com

David Teymur and Nik Lentz are making the most of an unlucky situation.

Both men recently saw scheduled bouts spoiled due to injuries to their opponents, with Teymur originally supposed to fight newcomer Don Madge at UFC Liverpool, and Lentz supposed to fight Leonardo Santos at UFC Utica.

Lentz will remain on the June 1 Utica card with Teymur stepping in for Santos, sources confirmed with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani.

Teymur (7-1) has also signed a new four-fight contract with the UFC.

It was Teymur who got the ball rolling on the new matchup, mentioning to Lentz on Twitter that they should fight given their similar situations. Lentz promptly agreed:

David Teymur@DavidTeymur

.@NikLentz I lost my guy and you lost yours let’s put on a show for the fans

Nik Lentz

@NikLentz

Sounds good to me. I agreed already, just waiting on commission to approve. Train hard and stay healthy. I’ll see you in NY!! 🙏🏼👊🏼 @ufc https://twitter.com/davidteymur/status/990079265830912005 

This will be the toughest opponent yet for the 29-year-old Teymur, who sports an unblemished record in four Octagon appearances. His last two wins were unanimous decision nods over highly touted prospects Drakkar Klose and Lando Vannata.

Lentz, 33, is 12-5-1 since joining the UFC back in September 2009. He has competed at both 155 and 145 pounds, and is currently 3-1 in his most recent run at lightweight. Most recently, he defeated Will Brooks by second-round submission at UFC Sydney in November.

See the updated UFC Utica card below (bout order to be determined):

Jimmie Rivera vs. Marlon Moraes

Jessica Aguilar vs. Jodie Esquibel

Walt Harris vs. Daniel Spitz

Desmond Green vs. Gleison Tibau

Sam Alvey vs. Gian Villante

Sijara Eubanks vs. Lauren Murphy

Hector Sandoval vs. Jarred Brooks

Ben Saunders vs. Jake Ellenberger

David Teymur vs. Nik Lentz

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