It’s a rematch that’s been some time in the making. On December 15th Al Iaquinta will take on Kevin Lee in the main event at The Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The two fought for the first time at UFC 169 back in 2014 ending in a unanimous decision win for “Raging” Al.
There is no love loss between these two fighters. Many words have been exchanged back and fourth through Twitter as well as comments about the other during interviews. Neither have been shy in regards to their feelings for the other. Both have called for this fight to happen for a second time at certain points, now both will get their wish.
Kevin Lee (17-3) has won six out of his last seven fights, most recently coming off a TKO victory of Edson Barboza back in April. Lee has shown significant improvement since his UFC debut against Iaquinta in 2014. He’s well known for not being at a loss for words, even if at times you can’t really understand those words. “If that’s the one (A fight with Iaquinta) that’s approached with me, if there’s no better option, I’m interested in the fight.” Lee said. “It would be an easy fight. But it doesn’t really get me up as much in the morning as much as the winner of Tony and Pettis.” He’ll get his wish of that “easy” fight against a fighter in Raging Al looking to climb into the Top 5 in the division for the first time in his career.
Iaquinta (13-4-1) has gone 8-2 in the UFC following a loss back in the Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale. One of those two losses was to the current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov this passed April. Iaquinta stepped in on short notice for that fight going all five rounds with Khabib who many consider to be the best lightweight in the world. Prior to that Iaquinta knocked out UFC vet Diego Sanchez.
The fight has all the makings of being an exciting one. Two guys with legitimate bad blood that will only escalate leading up to fight night. Lee trying to avenge his original loss to Iaquinta while proving he’s deserving of another title shot. Iaquinta looks to rebound after his championship fight loss, while continuing on a path to another title fight of his own. Expect a classic from two of the top Lightweights in the division.
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 