Although last night the focus was in Brooklyn for UFC 208, there was breaking news announced during the card for one of New York’s fan favorites. Serra Longo’s Al Iaquinta will make his return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night Swanson vs. Lobov. The fight will take place April 22nd Live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Tennessee. Iaquinta will take on veteran and Ultimate Fighter Season 1 alumni Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez.
Two weeks ago news broke that “Raging” Al was once again speaking with The UFC and match maker Sean Shelby. Although Shelby told fans via Twitter to “look for Iaquinta soon” a timeline, as well as an opponent was left open ended and unknown. Iaquinta voiced his thoughts on potentially fighting Thiago Alves at Middleweight, a fight that was originally slated for UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. They’ll be no more speculation needed. Iaquinta, currently ranked 14th in the Lightweight division will take on the always interesting Diego Sanchez.
The fight will be Iaquinta’s first in over two years. Before a layoff due to injury as well as a contract dispute, Iaquinta recorded wins over Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Ross Pearson, and Rodrigo Damm. Sanchez comes off of a win back in November against Marcin Held by unanimous decision. “The Nightmare” has won two of his last four, his last loss suffered via knock out by Joe Lauzon.
The long awaited return of Raging Al will be just over two months away. Expect Iaquinta to make a statement that he’s still the fighter in the Lightweight division to watch out for. As always be sure to check here leading up to fight night for up to date news, interviews, merchandise, and much more.
-Matt Pellicane
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