He’s back! News broke Sunday night that Al Iaquinta will make his return to the octagon. The number 11 ranked lightweight will return to take on Paul Felder at UFC 223. The event will take place April 7th from the Barclay’s Center. The fight was originally scheduled to take place at UFC 218 but Iaquinta was forced to withdraw from the match up. Continue Reading
There aren’t many employees that would have one of their best nights at the office, and follow it up by ripping into their Employer. Than again not everyone is Al Iaquinta. Iaquinta hasn’t been shy about his frustration with UFC management and their polices. While his love for fighting is still fully intact it’s Iaquinta’s patience around the politics of The UFC that continues to grow thin.
“Raging” Al was yet again snubbed for a finish bonus Saturday night after knocking out UFC legend Diego Sanchez. After expressing his frustration on Twitter that night, Iaquinta went into further detail on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani this week. Continue Reading
If you’re Al Iaquinta you couldn’t have drawn it up any better. Come back after two years and knock out a legend in the sport. Iaquinta knocked out Diego Sanchez just 98 seconds into the first round. The fifth win in a row for Iaquinta bringing his record to 13-3-1 (8-2 UFC). The win adds yet another highlight reel knockout to his resume. The loss brings Sanchez to 27-10 (16-10 UFC). Continue Reading
Iaquinta Nation has waited a long time, seven hundred and forty nine days to be exact but once again it’s Fight Night. “Raging” Al Iaquinta will take on Diego “Lionheart” Sanchez in the Co Main event at UFC Fight Night 108. For Iaquinta a long awaited return now two years since beating Jorge Masvidal. Continue Reading
A second knee surgery and long recovery almost had one of UFC’s rising stars, and top lightweight contenders considering retirement this passed year. Now six months later Al Iaquinta gets ready to square off against veteran Diego Sanchez. Quite the turn of events, yet one that leaves fight fans as well as Iaquinta very excited. Continue Reading
Seven hundred and forty nine days. Thats how long it’s been since Al Iaquinta last stepped inside a cage. In the interim a surgery, physical therapy and recovery, a successful journey into the real estate business, a contract dispute, and eventually “clearing the air” if you will with new UFC management. All roads lead us right here, right to Diego Sanchez. The two will square off this Saturday April 22nd in the Co-Main Event at UFC Fight Night 108. Continue Reading
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.
To see one of UFC’s top Lightweight contenders, in the prime of his career on the side line for almost two years is an absolute shame. It’s also something new UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby will look to correct. Shelby went to Twitter last night posting a picture with Iaquinta along side coaches Matt Serra and Ray Longo. “Look for Al Iaquinta soon in an octagon near you.” Continue Reading
On Monday, Al Iaquinta under went successful knee surgery to repair the damaged cartilage in his knee. After a stem cell and plasma injection didn’t prove to be as effective as hoped for, doctors as well as Iaquinta thought this would be the best course of action. With rehab starting next week Iaquinta will look to make his return mid summer.
Looking back to April all of this seemed to be an after thought. Although the knee issue lingered Iaquinta was on a tear through the light weight division. Raging Al recorded knock out victories over Rodrigo Damm, Ross Pearson, and Joe Lauzon respectfully, as well as a split decision victory over Jorge Masvidal. Al looked to make it five in a row against veteran light weight Gilbert Melendez. Once Melendez tested positive for testosterone metabolites, Iaquinta opted to take care of the injury and get back to 100%.
“I’m feeling good man” Iaquinta commented last night. “They said everything wen’t well, I’ll start physical therapy next week.” A return for Iaquinta can’t come soon enough. He went on to say, “I’m just relieved it’s done with. One step closer to getting back in there.”
Iaquinta has gained a reputation for not only being quite the competitor, but even more respected for his work ethic. It’s that same work ethic that will get him back in the octagon in no time. Expect an even stronger Iaquinta to come back in 2016 and continue to make a statement in the light weight division. Continue to check here for updates, interviews, and much more.
-Matt Pellicane
It appears fight fans and Iaquinta Nation may get to see Al Iaquinta back in the octagon sooner than expected. After a second opinion on his injured knee, the 155 pound stand out will avoid going under the knife to fix the damaged cartilage. Instead Iaquinta will undergo stem cell injections and plasma therapy. This will keep Iaquinta out for a significantly shorter amount of time, lining him up for a return at the new year. Continue Reading
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