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Here’s a short video to kick off what will be a week full of videos and interviews with Al. Jon Anik caught up with Al after this passed Fridays episode of TUF Live to get some of his thoughts on Mike Chiesa’s big win, and his match up with Andy Ogle this week. Watch the video HERE and don’t forget to check Iaquinta Nation all week for constant updates on Al’s fight against Andy Ogle Friday night.
Photo by UFC
Two quarter final fights and two surprising outcomes. With the first two fights in the books it’s James Vick over Joe Proctor, and Mike Chiesa beating the guy who many people thought would be in the Finale Justin Lawrence. Two tough fights once again showing in this game anything can happen. Next week it will be Vinc Pichel against Chris Saunders, and Al Iaquinta against teammate Andy Ogle. Check back here tomorrow for a full episode recap. Get excited everyone it’s fight week. Iaquinta vs. Ogle coverage all week right here.
I know I’m a little bit earlier then normal on this post but I have a lot going on with my friend Jared’s wedding tonight. Once again a big congratulations to Jared and his fiance Jackie on their wedding today. Make sure you watch Al on a brand new episode of UFC’s TUF Live tonight at 10 PM on FX. It’s going to be the first two fights in the quarter finals featuring Mike Chiesa against Justin Lawrence, and Joe Proctor against James Vick. Be sure to tune in, both fights should be a lot of fun to watch. Most importantly at the conclusion of the episode well find out who Iaquinta will be fighting next week, Vinc Pichel, Andy Ogle, or Chris Saunders. Enjoy and the show and the weekend and be sure to check here throughout the week next week for complete coverage leading up to Al’s fight.
-Matt Pellicane
Photo by UFC
With Iaquinta’s fight just over a week away there’s been a lot of speculation around the internet of who Al’s next opponent will be. While different writers and bloggers have given there opinion, the truth is no one really knows except Dana White himself. White will announce the final two quarter final fights at the conclusion of this Friday’s episode. As I discussed the other day Al can either fight Vinc Pichel, or teammates Andy Ogle or Chris Saunders. Yesterday in his weekly Newsday interview Al commented saying he’d like to fight Pichel, as it wouldn’t be ideal fighting one of your own teammates. Regardless of the opponent there’s no doubt Iaquinta will step up to the challenge. Team Faber’s Andy Ogle gave some insight into who he’d like to fight HERE via MMA Junkie. He said he’d like to fight Pichel or Saunders, but didn’t mention Iaquinta in the conversation.
I asked this last week but it’s a bit easier now that the list is shorter. Who would you like to see Al fight in the quarter finals? Vinc Pichel, Andy Ogle, or Chris Saunders. I’m anxious to hear from all of you, your feedback is appreciated. Thank you!
-Matt Pellicane
Photo by UFC
It’s your favorite time of the week yet again. Watch Al’s weekly Newsday Interview right HERE. Hear Al’s thoughts on the quarter finals and his next opponent, and get some input from a “special guest”. As always thank you to Mark La Monica for putting it all together. If you have any questions for Al leading up to his quarter final fight next week be sure to send them to Mark via twitter HERE. More to come tomorrow, enjoy!
It was reported earlier today that Dominick Cruz has torn his ACL and will be forced to back out of his fight July 7th against Urijah Faber. The two have shared a lot of bad blood in the past which has escalated since the start of this season of TUF. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say I really wanted to see these two fight for a third time. There’s no word yet if Faber will fight a new opponent for the interim Bantamweight title, or wait until Cruz is healthy enough to fight. We’ll find out more throughout the week but I don’t see any way Cruz wouldn’t stay and continue working with his team, even if a surgery was involved. Dana White has yet to say much except a short message via his twitter saying “It’s true Cruz blew his ACL. Stay tuned for more info.” Later on Cruz sent out a message himself saying “I’m bummed people, Thanx for the support as I battle this. Big sorry to all the fans out there! I WILL recover and I WILL be back to put on a show!” How ever you feel about Dominick Cruz you never want to see an athlete get hurt, and you would never wish an injury on anyone. Hopefully he has a quick recovery and is back in the cage soon. I’ll update everyone as more information comes out this week.
This weeks episode starts out with Team Faber celebrating the big win by Chris Saunders over Sam Sicilia. Mike Chiesa went into the opposing locker room to sit with his long time friend Sam after his loss. Cruz thought Sam did everything he could, and the fight could have went to a third round. Both Ogle and Rio express their excitement for their fight this week. Continue Reading
This past Fridays fight between Andy Ogle and Mike Rio was the final fight of the first first round. Andy Ogle executed a great game plan and was able to get a victory and advance to the Quarter Finals. Look for a full episode recap here tomorrow. During the episode Dana White sat down with Faber and Cruz and got their input before selecting the quarter final match ups. There’s going to be two quarter final fights this Friday and two fights the following Friday. You can all put your panic attack on hold for a week as Al won’t be fighting until the following Friday, May 18th. People have all ready been asking me about McCanns, and as always well have a big viewing party and open bar there the night of Al’s fight. More details to come on that.
This Friday’s match ups are very interesting. It’s going to be Joe Proctor against James Vick, and Mike Chiesa against Justin Lawrence. Both fights have the potential to be very exciting. That leaves Team Cruz’s Vinc Pichel, Andy Ogle, or Chris Saunders for Al to fight the following week. Unfortunately he could fight someone on his own team. This is where the tournament really becomes more about the individual and not the team. Check back for more information on the quarter finals throughout the week, and as always thank you for reading.
-Matt Pellicane
Photo by Mulcahy’s
If you don’t know Pat Browne aka DJ PeeJay he’s an up and coming DJ from Wantagh. He’s played at local bars around town including Johnny Malones and Shooters. He does a great job entertaining everyone, and it’s always a lot of fun. If you haven’t checked him out yet make sure you keep an eye out for the next time he’s playing somewhere, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. Listen to some of his mixes HERE on SoundCloud. Last night he had an opportunity to play in the biggest venue of his young career at Mulcahy’s Pub and Grill. Pat did an awesome job and everyone had a lot of fun. I really appreciate Pat wearing his Iaquinta Nation T-shirt and representing #TeamIaquinta(shown above and below), and I know it mean’s a lot to Al as well. Big thank you to Patty for representing and showing everyone who came to Mulcahy’s last night a great time.
Don’t forget to watch Al on a new episode of TUF Live tonight at 10 PM on FX. Tune in and find out who will be the last fighter in the quarter finals, Andy Ogle or Mike Rio. Well also find how the next few weeks will be laid out in regard to the quarter and semi finals. Things are about to get very interesting make sure you tune in.
Iaquinta Nation 