Lentz-Lowe Matchup Targeted for UFC Fight Night 24

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A lightweight clash between two powerful wrestlers will go down at UFC Fight Night 24, as Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product Nik Lentz squares off with American Top Team standout Waylon Lowe.

Sherdog.com today confirmed the matchup with a source close to the bout, which was initially reported by MMADieHards.com. According to Sherdog.com’s source, bout agreements were recently signed.

UFC Fight Night 24 will mark the promotion’s first trip to Seattle, as the event emanates from KeyArena on March 26. The show will be headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz and onetime Pride Fighting Championships star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Also expected for the event is a welterweight duel between the returning Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and heavy-handed Brit Dan Hardy. In total, 11 bouts have been made official for the show; only Lentz-Lowe remains unannounced.

A former University of Minnesota wrestler, Lentz made his professional MMA debut in 2005. After thriving in local shows, the ex-Golden Gopher took his first steps into the Octagon at UFC 103, earning a unanimous decision over Rafaello Oliveira in September 2009. Lentz has used his smothering wrestling attack to rack up a promotional record of 4-0-1, most recently earning a controversial split decision over Tyson Griffin at UFC 123 in November. The “Carny” rides an 11-fight winning streak into his bout with Lowe.

Also a former collegiate wrestling standout, Lowe is a veteran of Bellator and King of the Cage competition. The 30-year-old made his UFC debut at UFC 114 last year, succumbing to a brutal knee to the ribs courtesy of Melvin Guillard. Lowe rebounded by winning back-to-back bouts, including a unanimous decision over former Shooto champion Willamy Freire on Jan. 22.