UFC 103 Preview: The Prelims

Rafaello Oliveira vs. Nik Lentz

The Storyline: A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Oliveira’s contract was acquired with fellow UFC 103 fighters Paul Daley, Vladimir Matyushenko and others when Affliction Entertainment closed shop last month. While Oliveira was scheduled to take on former Pride Fighting Championships lightweight titleholder Takanori Gomi at Affliction “Trilogy” in August, he will now have to make do with Lentz -- a Minnesota Martial Arts stablemate of former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk.

The Breakdown: Oliveira moved to the United States in late 2007 and fought for the Rumble on the Rock and EliteXC promotions. The Brazilian most recently put Xtreme Fighting Championships lightweight titleholder John Mahlow through a BJJ and wrestling clinic en route to a unanimous decision win.

Lentz attracted the UFC’s attention with his win over the controversial and self-destructive Drew Fickett in March. He will take an eight-fight undefeated streak, which dates back to March 2007, into his Octagon debut. Lentz replaces Dan Lauzon and took the fight on four weeks notice.

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The Prediction: This looks like a pretty even matchup. Lentz moving down from 170 pounds can definitely factor into the outcome, but Oliveira is no small lightweight, having competed at 161 pounds in his last fight. In the end, the Brazilian will shut down the American’s submission game and win another unanimous decision.