Iaquinta Nation

When Al Iaquinta stepped into the octagon Friday night he didn’t enter alone. He had hundreds of people from his hometown Wantagh, as well his family, coaching staff, and Serra/Longo teammates right in there with him. For five minutes Friday night we all felt like we were in a fight. Five minutes isn’t a very long time to decide your future, but for Al and the rest of us it seemed like an eternity. After the quick one round fight was over the judges scored Iaquinta the victor by unanimous decision, securing his spot in the house and sending him one step closer to becoming the next Ultimate Fighter. Al fought one of the biggest fights of his life Friday night. The next fights are going to be equally, if not more so important. Never the less last night was the most important step, getting into the house and Al did exactly what he needed to do. For Iaquinta the adventure is just getting started.

Everyone who got ready to watch Al’s fight live on FX Friday night, including over a hundred people at McCanns Pub and Grill in Massapequa, were all certain of one thing. Everyone truly believed deep down in their hearts that there was no way he would loose two fights in a row after coming off the first loss of his professional career via submission. With that last fight in mind, everyone who was representing “Team Iaquinta” Friday night couldn’t help but hold their breath. Quickly at the beginning of the round Iaquinta found himself in an arm bar attempt from his opponent Jon Tuck. Unlike his previous fight he fought his way out and was able to stand back up with Tuck as the two delivered several strikes, as well as kicks back and fourth. Then in typical Iaquinta fashion he took Tuck down and landed several hammer fists to end the round and secure a victory. Tuck who injured his toe in the fight, proved to be no match for the submission defense and hard work of Iaquinta.

For Al and all of “Iaquinta Nation” the excitement has just begun. With his victory Al secures his spot in the house as well as a guaranteed 13 weeks of hell on the hit reality show. No one is more deserving of this opportunity then Al, who has worked his heart out for years to have this incredible opportunity. Make sure you tune in to FX at 10:00pm Friday nights and represent #TeamIaquinta, you’re guaranteed to not be disappointed. One thing is for sure the entire nation is going to learn a few things about the hard work, heart, and determination of Al Iaquinta in the next 13 weeks.

Thank you for reading and please continue to check the blog for updates, pictures, interviews, and much more. Also keep an eye out in the next week or two for “Team Iaquinta” T shirts! More details to follow. Thank you for the support.

-Matt Pellicane