Check out Al’s interview with the guys over at MMA Opinion Radio. If you’re looking to skip right into Al’s interview just forward ahead to 73:00 minute into the podcast. Al discusses his experiance’s on TUF Live, his plans for the near future, and much more.
Hey everyone. Just a heads up, be sure to check here all week for a few new videos, interviews, and much more. Al is back at it and training hard preparing for his next opportunity to get in the octagon. Al feels great following his knee surgery and is looking forward to getting back in there as soon as possible. In the meantime you can still do your part to support #TeamIaquinta. Pick up your Iaquinta Nation T- Shirt or Tank top today, available in all sizes. Shirts can be mailed to you if you live out of state as well. Email me at MattPellicane@gmail.com or contact Al above and place an order today.
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Jake Ellenberger vs. Jay Hieron (Ellenberger)
John Dodson vs. Jussier Formiga (Dodson)
Josh Neer vs. Justin Edwards (Neer)
Micheal Johnson vs. Danny Castillo (Castillo)
Check out Sofia and JC working with Coach Al. Contact Al to set up and a personal training session today!
John Jones v. Vitor Belfort (Jones)
Joseph Benavidez v. Demetrious Johnson (Benavidez)
Michael Bisping v. Brian Stann (Stann)
Matt Hamill v. Roger Hollett (Hamill)
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TUF Finalist Al Iaquinta is back in Las Vegas to support his 205 pound Serra Longo teammate Eddie “Truck” Gordon. Gordon who made it passed the first round of tryouts Monday, looks to become the next Serra Longo fighter to make his mark in the UFC. TUF 17 which will feature middle weights as well as light heavy weights is set to air this January on FX. “Everybody here is just hungry to get into the house” Iaquinta said. “You have to have faith in your skills and faith that they’re going to like something in your personality. Otherwise why do you even bother coming?” More on the story via MMA Junkie. Check back here later in the week for more on the story.
Take a minute and catch up with Al. Look for interviews like this one right here every week. If you have any questions you’d like Al to answer email them to MattPellicane@gmail.com If you’d like an Iaquinta T- Shirt or tank you can send me an email there and let me know as well.
How’s the knee feeling and how’s the progress coming along?
My knee is feeling pretty good! My leg is still small and weak. Aside from that there’s very little pain and I have full range of motion.
What’s your rehab like at this point?
Rehab is going good. Three times a week I’m going over to Mike Camp over at Bethpage PT. He does a great job, pushes me hard but not too hard.
Although you can’t fully train yet yourself, you’re back to training clients. How’s that going? Does it give you the itch to get back in there as soon as possible?
I’m definitely itching to get back in there and train myself! I’m back to training all my clients and that definitely keeps me occupied. Since TUF I have added a good amount of clients so I have definitely been busy as of late.
Both Jose Aldo and Rampage Jackson have been injured and are of the next UFC in Brazil. What do you think about all these recent injuries?
Injuries are just part of the game. People get injured and it makes for a difficult job for the UFC to save these fight cards. I heard that both Urijah Faber and Chad Mendez have put in to fill Jose Aldo’s spot and fight Frankie Edgar. I think if Edgar fought Urijah or Chad Mendez either would be a great fight.
When can we expect to see you back in the octagon? Who would you like to fight?
I think it is reasonable for me to get back in the mix around the end of January or February. I want to fight on the main card. I realize that may not happen my first fight back. If that’s the case I want to fight whoever I have to so that a win would ensure my next fight will be on the main card.
Hey everyone. When you have a chance check out a highlight video that twitter user @Stijnnvdm put together. The video is a great compilation of fight highlights throughout all of Al’s fights on TUF Live. A big thank you to @Stijnnvdm for taking some time to put the video together.
Al and I just wanted to thank everyone who came out this past Friday to Mulchay’s to support Nick Polo. Mulcahy’s helped hold a benefit to support Nick as he recovers from brain surgery. Nick’s strength is incredible, and the toughness he’s show is truly inspiring. It was amazing to see how many people came down Friday (over 1,500) to show support, make donations, participate in auctions, and show how quickly the town of Wantagh and all their friends and family come together for a great cause. Life is tough sometimes, and it’s nice to see during those tough times how quickly people rally behind a friend in need. Another thanks has to go out to UFC’s Matt Serra, Chris Weidman, Contantions Philippou, Strikeforce’s Gian Villante, as well as Al himself for coming down and showing their support, as well as auctioning off sighed memorabilia during the auction. It’s was great to have those guys come down and give up some of their time for a great cause.
Thank you again for the overwhelming kindness and support. The Polo’s are great people, and I know they couldn’t be more appreciative of all the support everyone has shown Nick as he battles through this difficult time. If you’re interested in making a donation please contact Pete at 516-647-3042.
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 