MMA

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Gilbert Melendez suspended, leaving Iaquinta wondering what’s next?

Posted by MattPel on July 7, 2015
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Tonight I had planned to post a preview to what had the makings to be an incredible fight between Al Iaquinta and Gilbert Melendez. Unfortunately news broke late this afternoon that that exciting light weight bout wasn’t going to happen. Gilbert Melendez has tested positive for testosterone metabolites, present from an outside source. Melendez failed a urine test following his UFC 188 loss to Eddie Alvarez. The light weight has come clean admitting to his use of a banned substance, apologizing to fans and the UFC today. Melendez will be suspended for one year. Continue Reading

Green out, Melendez in to fight Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night

Posted by MattPel on June 18, 2015
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A lot can change in 24 hours. Yesterday it was announced that Al Iaquinta’s opponent Bobby Green would be forced to pull out of the July 15th fight in San Diego. Just a day later Iaquinta has a new opponent in Gilbert Melendez. Melendez will step back into the octagon after a quick turn around, coming off a loss to Eddie Alvarez this past weekend.

Fight fans were looking forward to the match up between Green and Iaquinta after several words had been exchanged between both fighters. For now that will have to be put on hold as Iaquinta will refocus for Gilbert Melendez. Another solid match up for the Serra Longo based fighter. The gritty Melendez is currently ranked 5th in the lightweight division where Iaquinta is respectfully ranked 13th. A win here would undoubtedly move Iaquinta into the top 10 in the division.

Iaquinta is riding a four fight win streak most recently defeating Jorge Masvidal via split decision. Leading up to that fight Iaquinta scored knock out wins over Rodrigo Damm, Ross Pearson and Joe Lauzon. Melendez only has a handful of fights in the UFC but has recorded victories over Diego Sanchez, Josh Thomson, Clay Guida, and Iaquinta’s last opponent Jorge Masvidal in Strikeforce where most of his bouts took place. Interestedly enough he’s fought and lost to both former UFC Lightweight champions Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis.

UFC Fight Night 71 will take place on July 15th Live from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. Iaquinta and Melendez will be the Co Main Event which will be headlined by Frank Mir vs. Todd Duffee.

-Matt Pellicane

Raging Al to take on Bobby Green at Fight Night 71

Posted by MattPel on April 29, 2015
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Al Iaquinta will step back in the octagon July 15th, next on the list tough light weight competitor Bobby Green. UFC Fight Night 71 will take place in San Diego at the Valley View Casino Center. The fight will appear live on Fox Sports 1. Another big fight for Iaquinta who is currently ranked #13 in the power rankings, fighting Green who is currently ranked #11. The winner would likely break there way into the top 10 in the division.

Iaquinta enters the contest following a split decision win over Jorge Masvidal. Raging Al (12-3-1) enters the fight on a four fight win streak, three of which by knock out.  Iaquinta received more attention after a hard fought victory agaisnt Masvidal for his comments following the fight in Fairfax Virginia. Fans booed the decision and Iaquinta was, well let’s just say less then thrilled with the reception. This will be his next opportunity for Al to fight in front of a big crowd since that occurred. Continue Reading

Iaquinta Wins Fourth Straight in Fairfax

Posted by MattPel on April 5, 2015
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MMA: UFC Fight Night-Masvidal vs Iaquinta

“I don’t lose in the late rounds. The third round belongs to me.” That’s a statement that came from light weight Al Iaquinta a few years ago, and one that stood true yesterday. It’s not only describes the Serra Longo fighters conditioning, but his determination and will power. He showed that yesterday against Jorge Masvidal.

Iaquinta and Masvidal squared off in the Co Main event at UFC Fight Night 63 where it was Iaquinta winning a tight, hard fought split decision over Masvidal. Iaquinta got after Masvidal early who kept his defense tight avoiding any major damage. Masvidal was able to keep his distance with his long reach, keeping both fighters working on their feet. Late in the round after a tough exchange between the two Iaquinta attempted a heel hook to avoid what could have been more damage. In the next exchange Masvidal was able to drop Al and cut him under his right eye. Continue Reading

Fight Day- Iaquinta vs. Masvidal

Posted by MattPel on April 3, 2015
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Once again Iaquinta Nation it’s Fight Day. Please excuse this post for being a little early as I’m driving to Virginia for the fight and won’t have my laptop with me. Saturday afternoon Live on Fox Sports 1 from The Patritiot Center in Fairfax, Al Iaquinta will take on the veteran Jorge Masvidal. Raging Al enters the fight on a three fight win streak where he knocked out each of his respected opponents. Masvidal has won three fights in a row of his own setting up an intriguing match up between the #14 Masvidal and #15 Iaquinta ranked fighters in the division. Continue Reading

First Look- Iaquinta vs. Masvidal

Posted by MattPel on March 31, 2015
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The Mixed Martial Arts world is filled with competitors who like Al Iaquinta are hard working and humble. Fighters who do their talking once they step in the octagon. Who walk into a place and want to fly under the radar, go about their business, and aren’t looking for attention. Then there’s Jorge Masvidal. A fighter who has shown over the past few weeks that he likes to talk, and not very intelligently.

This Saturday Iaquinta(11-3-1) will take on Masvidal(28-8) in the Co Main event at UFC Fight Night 63 in a rare Saturday day event. The fight which is headlined by Chad Mendes and Ricardo Lamas will take place in Fairfax Virginia at The Patriot Center. Iaquinta fills in for former lightweight champion Benson Henderson who recently bumped up to welterweight. Continue Reading

Watch Iaquinta vs. Masvidal at McCanns

Posted by MattPel on March 30, 2015
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This Saturday Al Iaquinta will step back in the octagon when he takes on Jorge Masvidal in the Co Main event at UFC Fight Night 63. For those of you not making the road trip to Virginia, McCanns Pub and Grill (5590 Merrick Road Massapequa NY)  will as always be the number one spot to watch the fight. An important reminder this is a DAYTIME Saturday event. Prelims will start at 11am, with the main card starting at 1pm. McCann’s will be open by 10am sharp for those of you looking to come down, have some food and enjoy the fights. There will be Bud Light and Coors Light pitcher deals while the fights are on. Please feel free to email me with any additional questions at MattPellicane@gmail.com Keep checking in throughout the week for a few articles and interviews.

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Iaquinta right back at it in April

Posted by MattPel on February 3, 2015
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Al Iaquinta continued to open up eyes on Saturday night with an impressive knock out win over Joe Lauzon. Just two days later the Serra Longo fighter all ready knows his next match up. News broke last night that Iaquinta will take on Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night 63 on April 4th. The fight will be at The Patriot Center in Fairfax Virginia. Continue Reading

Iaquinta- Calm, Cool, Collected, Dominate.

Posted by MattPel on February 1, 2015
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“I just need to go out there, dominate, and finish quick.” It may have taken till 3:34 in the second round but Al Iaquinta did just that last night. Dominate. After a first round that went back and fourth it was Iaquinta who turned it on in the second, scoring a big TKO win over Joe Lauzon. It was a combination followed by a big right hand that stung Lauzon, leaving him staggering around the octagon attempting to hang on. Iaquinta remained calm picking his shots. The referee was forced to jump in and stop the fight. Lauzon was out on his feet, and Iaquinta was victorious. Continue Reading

Fight Night- Iaquinta vs. Lauzon

Posted by MattPel on January 31, 2015
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Once again Iaquinta Nation it’s fight night. Tonight Live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas it will be Al Iaquinta taking on Joe Lauzon in a highly anticipated light weight battle. Several MMA analysts as well as fight fans have Raging Al as the underdog in this fight. That’s just fine by Iaquinta, who thrives on being in the underdog position. Iaquinta respects the fact that Lauzon is a tough opponent. “He’s a fan favorite, people enjoy watching him fight.” Iaquinta said. “To put up a good performance against him would put me right where I need to be.” Iaquinta will look to cement that message to fight fans tonight at UFC 183. Continue Reading