UFC Fight Night 21 Preview: The Prelims

Robert Emerson vs. Nik Lentz

The Breakdown: Perhaps the most unexpected UFC mainstay to come out of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Emerson will once again play the role of surly doorman in the lightweight division, as he meets Lentz, the latest up-and-comer out of the Midwest. A Texas native now training out of the wrestling-centric Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, Lentz better hope his takedowns are up to snuff come fight time.

While Lentz has shown decent striking, his boxing remains unrefined and he has the bad habit of telegraphing his otherwise powerful kicks. Rafael dos Anjos practically crippled Emerson with leg kicks in their bout at UFC 103, but Emerson has proven himself a talented counterpuncher with reach to spare, and Lentz leaves himself open every time he loads up on a kick. Given the trouble Lentz had with Rafaello Oliveira’s sloppy boxing in their bout at UFC 103, his brain will be in for a thorough rattling if he cannot dictate where this fight goes.

Trying to get Emerson on the mat is a lot tougher than it once was, and Lentz’s wrestling has looked pedestrian by UFC standards. Combining a quick sprawl with intelligent clinch positioning has improved Emerson’s takedown defense, and his quick one-two controls range beautifully. Even if Lentz manages a few takedowns, his finishing skills have been MIA lately, and he will not find many opportunities to score points.

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The Bottom Line: Lentz will make the mistake of trying his luck at trading hands with Emerson early, and it will only get worse from there. Too many hopeless takedowns and shots to the jaw will leave Lentz on the short end of a decision loss.