Nik Lentz Retires After UFC 257: "I Lost About 40% Of My Vision"

UFC veteran Nik Lentz took off his 6-ounce gloves for a final time after his UFC 257 defeat.

The 25-fight UFC veteran announced his retirement following his split-decision loss to the undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 257.

UFC Fight Night Tampa: Buckley vs. Covington Results, Highlights

Lentz would go on to say that he lost over 40% of his vision due to an eye injury, last year but wanted one more go inside of the UFC Octagon.

"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," Lentz wrote. "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 a 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,"
Lentz concluded. "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,"
he concluded. "But I can tell you what it’s not."

Lentz made his UFC debut back in September 2009, where he took a unanimous decision over Rafaello Oliveira.

Fightful has all of your MMA needs covered. Follow us on Twitter for updates, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, lists, news updates, and predictions.

Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Click here to learn more.