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.
The new year will bring yet another big fight for “Raging” Al. Iaquinta(10-3-1) will take on Joe Lauzon(24-9) at UFC 183 on January 31st. The card will take place Superbowl weekend, and is headlined by the much anticipated battle between Nick Diaz and Anderson Silva. Iaquinta comes off the biggest win of his career knocking out Ross Pearson a few weeks ago. Lauzon most recently stopped Micheal Chiesa via TKO.
Iaquinta has won 5 of his last six fights, the last two by way of knockout. Lauzon has won two in a row after dropping three of four. A great match up for Iaquinta as he looks to continue to move his way to the top of the light weight division. Expect to see an exciting fight with the strong stand up and BJJ of both fighters. The fight has the makings to be a classic. As always be sure to check here for articles, interviews, T-shirt sales, and much more.
Another congratulations on a strong performance against Rodrigo Damm. What did you take away from that fight?
I showed everyone where my skills we’re really at and that I’ll only continue to improve. Rodrigo Damm has beaten a lot of great fighters and is very dangerous. I really fought a flawless fight. I also showed my ability to bounce back from a loss.
What did you take away/learn from your previous loss to Mitch Clarke?
I really should have finished that guy in the first round. He never should have had the opportunity to win that fight. I put my guard down while being in a dominant position and he was able to capitalize. I can’t let guys off the hook.
How helpful has it been traveling to Australia two weeks in advance to get adjusted opposed to only traveling the week before your Hallman fight in England?
I think it’s been tremendously helpful. The first couple of nights were kind of rough. Having a few extra days to get acclimated and get some hard training in before cutting weight will definitely benefit me.
You’ve been asking for a fight with a “top named” opponent. You got that in Ross Pearson. What are your general thoughts on him? Continue Reading
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