UFC Fight Night 24 Preview: The Prelims

Nik Lentz (bottom) is 4-0-1 in the UFC. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Matchup: Two powerful, wrestling-based 155-pounders collide in this matchup. Lentz has been on a hot streak lately, taking decision wins over Robert Emerson, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 9 finalist Andre Winner and a split nod over Tyson Griffin. While the Griffin win at UFC 123 was somewhat disputed, he has proven he belongs at the middle tier of the division.

Lowe has rebounded from a tough UFC debut knockout loss to Melvin Guillard at UFC 114, showing solid grappling in decisions over Steve Lopez at UFC 119 and Shooto champion Willamy “Chiquerim” Freire at UFC “Fight for the Troops 2.”

Like most wrestler-versus-wrestler matchups, this obviously becomes a battle of takedowns. However, Lowe may have slightly better hands, which could provide an edge in setting up shots and winning exchanges. Lentz has faced and fared better against tougher competition, so it should come down to conditioning and the final push in the last round.

The Pick: Lentz by close decision.

Next Fight: Michael McDonald vs. Edwin Figueroa