Once again Iaquinta Nation it’s fight night(forgive this post for being a few days early but I’m off to Vegas and will be without a computer for a few days). Kicking off this Saturday’s Fox Sports 1 Prelims will be Al Iaquinta taking on Mitch Clarke. Iaquinta comes in with a three fight win streak, and has shown how much his skill set has improved since his year layoff following TUF Live. Clarke who has had a difficult time staying healthy himself, will square off against a focused and motivated Iaquinta.
Fight after fight Iaquinta has been able to dominate each fighter he’s faced. He fought smart, efficiently, and out worked each of his respected opponents. Fight by fight he has been faced with different challenges and was able to come out victorious each time. Very quietly, some seemed to feel, Al beat some very tough young opponents.
Clarke enters this fight 1-2 in the UFC. He’s battled injuries on and off. As big of a fight as this is for Iaquinta, it’s just as big for Mitch Clarke. For Clarke to come out against a well respected, tough opponent like Al and fight well would be a huge lift for him. The problem is he’s about to square off against a guy who isn’t about to be someones stepping stone.
Iaquinta, who feels that after this fight he should be matched up on a main card against a top named opponent will enter this fight with a chip on his shoulder. He’ll look to prove a point against Clarke and come out with a dominant performance. As we all know UFC loves to see fighters finish fights. Although Al has handily won those last three fights by decision, I would look to see Iaquinta go out and look for a finish in this one.
This has been an exciting ride for Iaquinta that’s just getting started. Expect a big performance from the Serra Longo fighter this Saturday night. Be prepared to see a motivated fighter who will enter that octagon looking to send a message. A message that say’s he’s the light weight fighter to watch out for. Get excited Iaquinta Nation it’s fight night! Let’s go to war.
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 