UFC Veteran Announces Retirement Following UFC 257 Bout

Nik Lentz is calling it a career after suffering an eye injury at UFC 257.

Lentz competed for the 24th time inside the Octagon and 45th overall in Abu Dhabi this past weekend. He leaves these port with a record of 14-9-1 with the UFC.

He revealed his news via social media:

They say don’t make rash decisions after a loss, but this one is not rash or even quick for that matter. The injury I suffered to my eyes last year was a career ender. In total I lost about 40% of my vision, but I wanted to see what one more hard fought battle was like with the new eyes. It was clear to me last night that it’s impossible for me to compete at this level anymore. I just can’t lock on to a moving target like I should, and with 40% of my vision practically gone… it’s chaotic to the least

My life as fighter in the best organization on the planet ends here. I am not sad or upset by it, the day comes for everyone. I stand with my head high, God as my redeemer and my children and wife as my treasure. Fighting gave those treasures and only ask for a little vision as payment. A trade I would make 100% of the time.

Thank you to my fans, my coaches, my family and everyone who has been a part of this process. Who knows what comes next for The Carny…. but I can tell you what it’s not.

Love, The Carny