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Undefeated UFC Fighter Shows Remorse for Inflicting Life-Altering Injury 'He lost his eye'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 6:42 PM ET

Movsar Evloev has risen through the UFC ranks as one of the most dominant, undefeated fighters in the featherweight division. Since his debut, Evloev has rattled off nine consecutive victories, primarily by decision, showcasing his elite wrestling and relentless control. His perfect record includes wins over top contenders like Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes. Before his ascent in the rankings, however, his bout with a now-retired fighter is a fight that haunts his memory.

The undefeated UFC featherweight contender has opened up about his 2021 fight with Nik Lentz, expressing deep regret after learning about the long-term damage Lentz suffered to his vision. The bout, which took place at UFC 257, ended in a split decision win for Evloev but left Lentz retired after a career-threatening eye injury was exacerbated and nearly cost him his sight.

When MMA journalist Vlad Kolos asked him if there were any regrets in his life or career, Evloev answered, “I’d probably apologize to Lentz. After the fight with me, he had surgery and lost his eye. Maybe that fight had something to do with it, but I wouldn’t want to believe it. To be honest, it’s a fight I regret.”

Lentz’s injury stemmed from an earlier fight with Arnold Allen in 2020, where he sustained two eye pokes that left him with triple vision and permanent damage. By the time he faced Evloev, Lentz had undergone risky surgery and was still struggling with impaired vision, which ultimately led to his retirement after the loss.

The aftermath of the fight saw Lentz reveal the extent of his injury, stating in a social media post that he had lost 40% of his vision and lost the ability to track movements properly during their bout. For Lentz, the bout with Evloev marked the end of a 45-fight career.

Despite the controversy, Lentz has never blamed Evloev for the outcome, instead focusing on the inherent risks of MMA.

As Evloev eyes a potential title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, the Lentz fight remains a poignant chapter in his career. While his undefeated record solidifies his status as a top contender, the moral weight of the Lentz bout serves as a reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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