On August 31st Al Iaquinta will step in and take on Ryan Couture. The match up is an interesting one, and features two fighters who will come in with a chip on their shoulder. Both fighter’s looking to rebound in a big way, both coming off previous losses.
Ryan Couture has been a pro since 2010. As an amateur he compiled a record of 5-1-1. Couture has trained Jiu Jitsu since 2006 and is currently a purple belt under Neil Melanson. Iaquinta a pro since 2009, is a purple belt as well. Iaquinta was undefeated as an amateur.
Couture’s last victory was a controversial split decision over the tough KJ Noons on Strikeforce’s final card. Couture showed he can withstand some damage in a fight that turned into a real war. It appeared the fight was close to being stopped on more then one occasion. Couture was able to push through and score a split decision victory.
The following fight was a different story for Couture. In his UFC debut he suffered a loss to Ross Pearson. Couture was able to stand and box with Pearson in the first round. In Round 2 once Pearson found his range he showed just how much power he has, knocking out Couture.
Couture has shown he’s a respectable striker, especially from the clinch, as well as a decent wrestler. With Iaquinta’s dominant striking, as well as his impressive wrestling background, it will be interesting to see in what direction the fight goes. The match up should prove to be a great one between two tough fighters both excited to get back into the octagon. Check back for much more.
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 