Hey everyone. When you have a chance check out a highlight video that twitter user @Stijnnvdm put together. The video is a great compilation of fight highlights throughout all of Al’s fights on TUF Live. A big thank you to @Stijnnvdm for taking some time to put the video together.
Al and I just wanted to thank everyone who came out this past Friday to Mulchay’s to support Nick Polo. Mulcahy’s helped hold a benefit to support Nick as he recovers from brain surgery. Nick’s strength is incredible, and the toughness he’s show is truly inspiring. It was amazing to see how many people came down Friday (over 1,500) to show support, make donations, participate in auctions, and show how quickly the town of Wantagh and all their friends and family come together for a great cause. Life is tough sometimes, and it’s nice to see during those tough times how quickly people rally behind a friend in need. Another thanks has to go out to UFC’s Matt Serra, Chris Weidman, Contantions Philippou, Strikeforce’s Gian Villante, as well as Al himself for coming down and showing their support, as well as auctioning off sighed memorabilia during the auction. It’s was great to have those guys come down and give up some of their time for a great cause.
Thank you again for the overwhelming kindness and support. The Polo’s are great people, and I know they couldn’t be more appreciative of all the support everyone has shown Nick as he battles through this difficult time. If you’re interested in making a donation please contact Pete at 516-647-3042.
-Matt Pellicane
What did Siri Say?
Photo by UFC
As always I want to thank all of Iaquinta Nation for continuing to check in with the blog. We’ve had a lot of great interviews for you lately as well as fight predictions. Make sure you continue to check in with us as well have some exclusive interviews, videos, work out tips and much more.
As most of you know by now Al Iaquinta is currently sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery. Iaquinta had some torn cartilage under his patella from his semi final fight on TUF Live with Vinc Pichel. Al was forced to have surgery to remove the torn piece. The recovery time is roughly three months, which would allow Al to start training again in October.
One of the most difficult things in the world for an athlete is not being able to do what he or she loves. When you’ve played a certain sport for so long it’s frustrating to have to sit back and watch from the outside. When training and competing is part of your every day life, sitting around and being restricted from doing that can be a true test on one’s patience. I would imagine this is something like what Al is going through now. The battle of playing the waiting game as the body takes it’s time to heal.
There’s that old cliche of everything happens for a reason. The same can be said about Al’s first opportunity to be on the Ultimate Fighter which he was unable to participate in due to a hand injury. Following his recovery, Al had some more time to mature and had some of the toughest fights of his young career leading up to his run on TUF Live. Although it may not seem like it now, and may be frustrating, this will also prove to only be a small bump in the road of a successful career for Iaquinta.
As far as Al goes there isn’t anything to be worried about. His strong work ethic will help him come back from this injury stronger then ever. It will be exciting to watch a determined Iaquinta get back in the gym and prepare for whoever his next opponent may be. Whoever it may be is irrelevant. They’ll be facing a guy in Iaquinta who will be more motivated and driven then ever. Sit tight Iaquinta Nation, Al will be back in the octagon before you know it.
-Matt Pellicane
Start your week off right with another interview featuring TUF Live finalist Al Iaquinta. The 5th Round is a great blog based out of the UK. Al discusses more about his background, his experience fighting in Ring of Combat in New Jersey, as well as his upcoming plans once his knee is healed up. Check out the interview HERE and be sure to check back throughout the week for interviews and much more.
Check out this great article HERE from Newsday’s Keiko Morris discussing the following mixed martial arts has gained on Long Island. Right in the center of it all are Al’s trainers Matt Serra and Ray Longo. The article touches on the changes in the sport over the past two decades, and how competitive the business aspect of mixed martial arts has become, especially in the Long Island area. Thank you to everyone over at Newsday especially Mark La Monica for their continued support of mixed martial arts on Long Island.
When you have some time check out Al’s latest interview on MMA Fractured HERE. Daniel Clark interviews Al and covers his experience on TUF, discusses some of his toughest opponents, and get’s Iaquinta’s opinion on younger kids training and competing in MMA. Everyone have a great weekend. As always if you have any questions you’d like Al to answer please send them our way.
Hey everyone. Just a reminder even though the summer is winding down it’s not too late to get your Iaquinta Nation tank tops, as well as T- Shirts today. If you live out of the New York area a Tank Top or T-shirt can be sent to you as well. Get in touch with Al(above) or I(MattPellicane@gmail.com) and get your shirts and tanks today. We apreciate everyone repersenting Iaquinta Nation.
Hey everyone. When you have a chance check out Core Nutrition 101 and LIKE their fan page on Facebook. Core Nutrition prepares healthy meals for you each week taking out the hassle of food shopping and ordering take out. The program is great for people trying to lose weight, or with a hectic schedule would benefit from having meals prepared for them. The plan is simple. Getting your body on a daily eating schedule with fresh healthy portioned out meals to get your metabolism fired up. With your metabolism speeding up, your body will release excess body fat, which in turn will make you look and feel great. For more information contact Core Nutrition via their facebook page or by sending an email to CoreNutrition101@gmail.com and set up your free consultation today.
Don’t forget to watch UFC 150 tonight LIVE on PPV. Another great card headlined by the second fight between Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar for the lightweight title. The card will also feature TUF Lives Justin Lawrence taking on Max Holloway in his first fight since the TUF Finale. Here’s Al’s fight predictions for the night, lets hear yours.
Benson Henderson v. Frankie Edgar (Edgar)
Donald Cerrone v. Melvin Guillard (Cerrone)
Jake Sheilds v. Ed Herman (Sheilds)
Yushin Okami v. Buddy Roberts (Okami)
Justin Lawrence v. Max Holloway (Lawrence)
Dennis Bermudez v. Tommy Hayden (Bermudez)
Iaquinta Nation 