It’s fight week everyone, get excited because Iaquinta vs. Couture is just a few short days away. I know a lot of you out there we’re curious about Al’s week between now and fight night. Al’s busy week starts today with a flight out to Milwaukee which will be hosting UFC 164 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Continue Reading
Talk about how anxious and excited you are to get back in the octagon next weekend.
It’s been a long time. I’m very anxious to get back in there. I’m excited, I wish the fight was this Saturday. I’m ready to get back in there and show everyone what I can do. I think people are going to see me look the best I ever have.
Fighting is your job, what you love to do. How difficult has this layoff been? When thing’s aren’t running smoothly is it a challenge to stay focused?
It’s always tough when you can’t do something you really enjoy doing. That’s one of the main reason’s I’m so anxious to get back in there. At times it can be hard to stay focused but if I can’t train myself I still have all my clients to train which helps me stay on track. Now I’m injury free and training hard. This is the best I’ve ever felt.
Tell us something you feel that’s most improved about your game in the past year.
I’m a lot more confident in executing the things I do well. I think that will help me make moves a lot quicker when I’m fighting Couture. I’ve also trained with a lot of different competitors so I have a great idea of what works or doesn’t work at a high level of competition.
What’s your game plan for this fight? What do you think your biggest strength over Couture is?
I always go in with a game plan that I’ll be looking to execute. One of my main strategies is to always outwork my opponent, especially the longer the fight goes. I think my wrestling is definitely a strength in this fight. I’ve been an athlete and a wrestler my entire life which is a big advantage for me over Ryan as well.
Have you done anything different training wise this time around? Any new training partners you’ve worked with?
Training wise I’ve actually taken the intensity down a notch or two. That’s important to ensure I’m going into this fight healthy which will be a huge advantage for me. I’ve been sparring with 170 pounder Chris Cope who was on the Ultimate Fighter. Chris has been a great guy to train with.
How important is it for you to come in here after a long layoff and not only get a win, but send a message that you’re here to stay, and a guy people should watch out for?
This is a very important fight for me. I’m looking to come in, make a statement, and get back in the win column. That’s the most important thing getting a “W”, and maybe some style point’s a long with it.
Do you have any message for all your fans?
Thank you for all the support I appreciate it, it mean’s a lot. Thank you to all my friends and family as well. I hope you’re looking forward to this fight as much as I am. Make sure you watch my fight next weekend on Facebook!
-Matt Pellicane
On August 31st Al Iaquinta will step in and take on Ryan Couture. The match up is an interesting one, and features two fighters who will come in with a chip on their shoulder. Both fighter’s looking to rebound in a big way, both coming off previous losses.
Ryan Couture has been a pro since 2010. As an amateur he compiled a record of 5-1-1. Couture has trained Jiu Jitsu since 2006 and is currently a purple belt under Neil Melanson. Iaquinta a pro since 2009, is a purple belt as well. Iaquinta was undefeated as an amateur. Continue Reading
Al will step back in the octagon next month which means it’s time to get your Iaquinta Nation T-Shirt’s and show some support for #TEAMIAQUINTA. We have shirts and tank tops available in all sizes from S- XXL. Represent Al by wearing the shirts/tanks over the course of the next month (as well as fight night) as he prepares to make his return to the octagon. Shirt’s have started to go quickly. Be sure to get them while they’re still in stock! You have a few options as far as picking up your shirt or tank. You can place order’s by emailing me MattPellicane@gmail.com You can also pick up T-Shirts locally at East Coast MMA Fight Shop (220 Sunrise Hwy Rockville Centre, NY 11570) as well as McCann’s Pub and Grill (5590 Merrick Rd Massapequa, NY 11758) Shirts and Tanks are $25. Fight night is right around the corner. Get yours today!
Just a few reminders for all you none Facebook people out there. Tickets for Al’s fight on April 27th are going quickly. If you haven’t gotten tickets yet make sure you do that as soon as possible. Most people have been buying tickets in Section 121 or as close to it as possible. Those tickets are $178. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling Ticket Master directly.
The first party bus has all ready been filled. We’re in the process of filling the second one so if you’re interested please let me know. The bus will be $80 and include transportation, an hour open bar with buffet at McCann’s before the bus leaves, as well as unlimited beers to and from the event. Please contact me at MattPellicane@gmail.com if you’re interested. We all ready have a great crowd going and are hoping for even more.
I want to thank everyone for checking in here at Iaquinta Nation on a daily basis. Some of you may not know about Al’s main website IaquintaMMA.com which has recently been updated. When you have a few minutes make sure you check it out. The site has some great articles as well as video’s including full episodes from Al’s fights on TUF Live. In the next few weeks you’ll also be able to order Iaquinta Nation shirts and tank tops directly from the online store. If you’re interested in personal training or sponsorship details you can get more information on that website as well. Thank you again for all the support we appreciate it.
I know some people out there aren’t on Facebook so I wanted to post this on here as well. If you do have Facebook and I missed you I apologize! We’re going to be doing a bus trip and tailgate leaving from McCann’s Pub and Grill the day of the fight. Most of you know the bar well after watching all of Al’s fights from TUF Live there. Here’s the information from the Facebook event. I’m trying to get a head count for the buses as soon as possible. If you would like to come and don’t have Facebook please let me know and I’ll make sure you’re accounted for.
McCann’s has offered to help put together a Bus Trip and Tailgate. Price, which will be determined once we get a better head count will include transportation to The Prudential Center, all you can drink beers, and food (most likely hero’s). We’re hoping to get a big crowd all traveling together. In order to get the ball rolling on this PLEASE only hit Attending if you’re going to participate in the bus and tailgate. We need to do this to figure out how many buses well need. Please don’t hesitate to respond, the sooner the better so I can start making arrangements.
I hope you all come this should be a lot of fun and I know Al appreciates the support. Feel free to use this group for questions on the tailgate as well as anything else. You can email me at MattPellicane@gmail.com with any other questions as well.
***As far as fight tickets I’ll have some more information out during the week. Tickets are all ready on sale so we have to be on that ASAP. I’m looking into trying to get a big block of tickets together. If that’s too difficult I’ll pick a section of a reasonable price and well try to all sit close together if possible***
Now that Al’s fight has been announced it’s the perfect time to pick up your Iaquinta Nation T- Shirts or Tank Tops. For just $25 you can do your part to represent #TeamIaquinta. The T- Shirts come in all sizes, and although it may not be tank top weather the tanks are great to wear in the gym. As far as picking up shirts you have several options. Orders can be placed on here and emailed to MattPellicane@gmail.com You can also pick up T-Shirts locally at East Coast MMA Fight Shop (220 Sunrise Hwy Rockville Centre, NY 11570) as well as McCann’s Pub and Grill (5590 Merrick Rd Massapequa, NY 11758). Don’t wait, pick up your new Iaquinta Nation shirt today! Thank you for the support.
Photo courtesy of CageWall.com
Al Iaquinta is no stranger to fighting in New Jersey, just a few short hours from his home in Long Island New York. He’s fought as an amateur and professional in New Jersey over twenty times. In April, Iaquinta will head back to Jersey once again this time fighting on the UFC 159 Card. Iaquinta is scheduled to fight his former Team Faber teammate Joe Proctor. The fight was first announced here yesterday by Iaquinta himself. An announcement most of Al’s fans and Iaquinta Nation have been waiting to hear for some time. On April 27 a healthy Iaquinta will step back into the octagon, more motivated then ever. Continue Reading
Photo by UFC
Our friend Mark La Monica talked to Al and covered the story around Al’s UFC return. Once that fight is anounced make sure you check in here as well as Mark’s Newsday page for constant updates leading up to the fight. A big thank you to Mark for covering the story.
Iaquinta Nation 