Iaquinta Nation

“After this win they’re going to know who I am.” Yes they will indeed. That was Iaquinta’s comment from earlier this week. If they didn’t know who Iaquinta was before, they certainly do now. Iaquinta in his best performance to date executes a big second round knock out over Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night 55. The Serra Longo fighter only continues to improve each fight. “I fight better when I fight better guys. I fight better when I fight in front of a big crowd” Iaquinta said after the fight. That’s great moving forward but for now a big win over Pearson puts Iaquinta’s career on the map.

Iaquinta’s ability to rise to the occasion yet remain calm in a big spot were big factors in this fight. Iaquinta looked smooth on his feet early in a first round that was tough to judge. A few great shots from both fighters, yet none that seemed to cause too much damage. Pearson was able to catch one of Iaquinta’s kicks that briefly took Raging Al off his feet. Al continued to look light on his feet, keeping the movement constant throughout the first round.

It was Al’s confidence that shined in the second round. After a brief exchange it was Iaquinta pushing the action early on. Eighty seconds in Pearson connected with a kick which Iaquinta countered with a big right hand. The shot dropped Pearson to the canvas but he was able to get back to his feet. Smelling blood, Iaquinta continued to keep the pressure on. It was a flurry of punches by Al that dropped Pearson again, knocking out the English fighter mid way through the second. The second fight in a row that Iaquinta displayed his knock out power.

An incredible performance by Iaquinta with a win that should put him in the top twenty in a very stacked light weight division. “I’m going to make the light weight division humble” Iaquinta said after the fight. Who knows who will be next for Iaquinta, but last night he made a statement that he’s the rising star in the division to watch out for. Stand up Iaquinta Nation as Iaquinta continues to Rage on.

-Matt Pellicane