It was a fight that Al Iaquinta thought would never happen after beating Kevin Lee back in 2014. Although than newcomer Kevin Lee started talking rematch almost immediately, it was a fight that to Iaquinta didn’t make sense. Until now. Truth be told although it always appeared to be in the back of Kevin Lee’s mind, it’s a fight that was eventually off of his radar as well. Now the fight makes perfect sense. Lee has climbed his way up the lightweight ranks above Iaquinta ranked 4th to Iaquinta ranked 8th respectively. This creates the perfect opportunity for Iaquinta to climb into the Top 5 in the division. Outside of avenging his first UFC loss, Lee now see’s value in fighting Iaquinta once again. A valiant five round effort against Khabib Nurmagomedov raised Iaquinta’s stock up about as much as one can after a loss. In Lee’s mind if he can beat the guy in Iaquinta who went five rounds with the best in the world that would put him even closer to a title shot of his own. “It was bound to happen” Iaquinta told FOX. “He’s been calling me out for a long time. I think I’ve always been on his mind.” Continue Reading
Al Iaquinta
All posts tagged Al Iaquinta
This Saturday UFC’s final card on FOX is set to go out with a bang. “Raging” Al Iaquinta (13-4-1, 8-3 UFC) will take on Kevin “The Motown Phenom” Lee (17-3, 10-3 UFC) in the main event LIVE from The Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This will be the second matchup between Iaquinta and Lee who squared off back in 2014. Both fighters have evolved and shown improvement in different aspects of their fight games. Although matured, both a bit more established, polished and higher ranked, one thing hasn’t changed. Iaquinta and Lee very simply do not like each other. Expect to see the intensity that fuels off of that in the octagon on Saturday. Continue Reading
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. Continue Reading
It was tough, it was gritty, it was exactly the performance you expected from Al Iaquinta on Saturday night. Even more impressive considering as late as Friday afternoon Iaquinta had been training to fight a different opponent for a three round fight. Yet there was Iaquinta, in Round Five of a Championship fight still standing toe to toe with the top fighter in the division in Khabib Nurmagomedov. Continue Reading
Once again Iaquinta Nation it’s Fight Night! After a hectic 24 hours it will be Al Iaquinta taking on Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Title at UFC 223 in Brooklyn. A “home game” if you will as The New Yorker Iaquinta will fight in his home state for the first time. In a few days that has seen nothing but mishaps, injuries, and fighters missing weight the dust has settled. Now it’s all about Iaquinta and Khabib with UFC gold on the line.
Both Iaquinta and Khabib have seen ups and downs when it comes to injures over the past few years. Those injuries turned into missed fights, missed time, perhaps missed opportunities for both competitors. Yet now what lies in front of both fighters is the biggest opportunity of all. Fight on the big stage with a title on the line. Continue Reading
Like the old saying goes what a difference a day makes. Yesterday Al Iaquinta was set to take on Paul Felder, kicking off the main card at UFC 223. Now 24 hours later he’s set to fight in the main event against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Oh, and they’ll be fighting for the Lightweight Title. Quite the turn of events. With that change comes an extraordinary opportunity for Iaquinta, one he’s been working for his entire career. Continue Reading
Tomorrow night at UFC 223 Al Iaquinta will take on Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC lightweight title. If you’re heading to the fight we’d like to get all of Iaquinta Nation and Al’s fans together beforehand. From 4:00 PM on tomorrow afternoon people will be getting together at The Kings Beer Hall, 84 St. Marks Pl, Brooklyn NY. Great spot to get together prior to the fight, walking distance to The Barclays Center. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
If you can’t make it to the fight remember McCann’s Pub and Grill (5590 Merrick Rd. Massapequa NY 11758) is always the home for all of Al’s fights as well as all UFC cards. If you’re local on Long Island come down to McCann’s with the rest of Iaquinta Nation and support Raging Al. For larger parties be sure to call McCann’s (516-798-1496) and reserve a table ASAP. Questions please contact MattPellicane@gmail.com
Yes you read this correctly. No this is not an error, and no this is not a late April Fools joke. Your main event tomorrow night at UFC 223 will now be New York’s own Al Iaquinta vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov. How did we get here and what does it all mean?
After a bizarre Thursday evening that saw Connor McGregor and his entourage attacking a bus of UFC’s fighters, it had seemed like Friday morning the dust had finally settled. That was only for about a minute. News broke that Max Holloway, who had taken the fight on six days notice would be unable to make weight. The loss of Holloway would have put a bigger hole in a card that had all ready taken a hit following the McGregor bus may lay. Many thought it could be former champ Anthony Pettis stepping in, while others lobbied for Iaquinta’s current opponent Paul Felder. For various reasons both choices were denied. Than, there was Raging Al. Continue Reading
This morning’s early weigh in’s kick off this fight weekend for UFC 223. With a day yesterday filled with absurdity and unexpected injuries, the card loses a few of it’s fighters. Those unaware Connor McGregor and his entourage attacked a bus transporting some of the card’s fighters following UFC 223’s media day. Visit our friends over at MMA Fighting for the full story. Two people not effected by yesterday’s craziness were Paul Felder and Al Iaquinta, which means it’s almost time to rock and roll. Both light weights weighed in this morning during the early weight in’s, Iaquinta (155.2) and Felder (155).
The thoughts around this fight we’re that it had “Fight of the Night” written all over it. While an intriguing match up with both Iaquinta and Felder being heavy handed, if Iaquinta sticks to his game plan he’s trying to just “make it look easy”. Fight of the night can generally mean you went to war with an opponent for three back and fourth, hard fought, bloody rounds. Iaquinta who’s been in his fair share of wars will look to go in and not only dominate, but do so quickly and efficiently. With that being said if the fight becomes the back and fourth match up many think it has the potential to, the always prepared Iaquinta will be ready to push the action.
Be sure to check back here throughout the next two days for coverage, interviews, and a full fight preview. Two important times to note.
UFC 223 Offical Weigh In’s – Friday April 7th 6:00 PM EST- Live on Fox Sports 1
UFC 223 Iaquinta vs. Felder- Saturday April 8th 10:00 PM EST -Live on PPV
Have you gotten your Raging Al T shirt yet? Still enough time to get the shirt before fight night. Live local in the NY area? Contact MattPellicane@gmail.com to pick up your shirt today.
Happy Holiday to everyone from Iaquinta Nation. Holiday weekend flash sale! The next 10 people to place an order will get their Raging Al shirt autographed by Al himself. Act now as this special will start as soon as this posts and than go away shortly after. Fight Night is less than a week away. Don’t hesitate buy your shirts today for guaranteed delivery prior to UFC 223 Iaquinta vs. Felder. All sizes back in stock, visit ShopAlIaquinta.com to order.
Live local on Long Island? If you prefer to pay cash or meet up in person email MattPellicane@gmail.com Be sure to check in all week for other promos and Iaquinta vs. Felder coverage.