Iaquinta Nation

Following the night after a big match up between two fighters in the light weight division Benson Henderson and Josh Thomson(both ranked in the top 5) battled it out in a very technical five round fight that most fans think Henderson stole for a controversial win. Iaquinta prepares this week for a fight in the same weight division. For Al, or any fighter for that matter you always pay attention to other people in your weight division and different match ups. Yet for Iaquinta it’s this fight in front of him. No one else. That’s all you can do is beat the guy in front of you. Take it one fight at a time and if you keep getting these important wins your stock will only rise.

Iaquinta continues to open the eyes of MMA enthusiasts as well as analysts. His exceptional work ethic has been on display, and the results in the cage have not gone unnoticed. After handling and outworking two very tough opponents in Couture and Hallman, Iaquinta now takes on newcomer Kevin Lee. Iaquinta with only a handful of official UFC Fights(not counting his unofficial fights on TUF) will take on the role in some regard of veteran when he squares off against the younger Kevin Lee.

For Al it’s business as usual as far as training and preparation. He sticks to what he does, and his game plan. Only a few minor changes from opponent to opponent, but as Iaquinta has said many times you make your opponent fight your fight. For any fighter it’s about staying within yourself while attacking that persons weaknesses. Iaquinta was fortunate enough to have several weeks to go out to California, training with Urijah Faber and Team Alpha Male. With several experienced guys all at Iaquinta’s same weight, training with some different fighters leading up to a fight is a great way to fine tune your game. Iaquinta has discussed how beneficial it was being able to go out and train with those guys. A great learning experience.

For UFC 169 it will be a much easier as far as travel time for Iaquinta. There won’t be a flight to Milwaukee or England in Iaquinta’s itinerary this week. Just a quick car ride one state over to Newark New Jersey. No flights, no time changes. This will allow Iaquinta to train all week in preparation for making weight at his own gym, and eat out of his own kitchen. This will without question make for a less stressful week while he prepares for the weigh ins Friday, and his fight against Lee Saturday night at the Prudential Center. Be sure to check back here throughout the week for constant updates leading up to the fight.

-Matt Pellicane