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Exclusive Al Iaquinta Interview

Posted by MattPel on May 29, 2012
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Photo by UFC

This weeks interview is with the man himself Al Iaquinta. I want to thank him for sitting and talking to me for a few minutes earlier today. I know he has a lot going on so I’m glad we could have a few minutes to talk. It was great actually being able to talk to the person who this blog is about. This Friday night Al will take on Mike Chiesa with a UFC contract on the line. Once Al is back in New York and settled well have a sit down, video interview to talk about this entire experience. For now here’s a look into Al’s week, his journey back into the real world, and a look into his fight this Friday. Continue Reading

MMA Heat’s Karyn Bryant interviews Al

Posted by MattPel on May 28, 2012
Posted in: Iaquinta Nation, Ultimate Fighter Live. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

 

Check out this great interview with Al by MMA Heat’s Karyn Bryant. Bryant talks to Al about his experience in the house, re-entering the real world, and his upcoming fight in the Finale with Mike Chiesa. Al gives some of his thoughts on Dana White, and his coach Urijah Faber as well. Watch the video HERE and check back with Iaquinta Nation all week for constant updates. Everyone enjoy the rest of the Holiday weekend.

Make sure you Vote for Al

Posted by MattPel on May 27, 2012
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Once again Al and I want to thank everyone for all the support. Week after week all of Iaquinta Nation never disappoints, and does a great job representing #TeamIaquinta. As Al becomes connected back to the world again after three months, he’s able to see how overwhelming the support is, and he really appreciates it. Please go to UltimateFighter.com and Vote for Al for best fight against Myles Jury OR Vinc Pichel, and best knock out against Andy Ogle. It only takes about a minute and you can vote once a day. The winner in each respected category wins 25K! Once again thank you for the continued support and taking a minute each day to vote.

Iaquinta vs. Pichel Recap

Posted by MattPel on May 27, 2012
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Another week and the same result for Al Iaquinta. Just one week after beating Andy Ogle, Iaquinta came back and won a tough decision over Vinc Pichel to move on to the Ultimate Fighter Finale this Friday. In the opposite fight it was Al’s teammate Mike Chiesa securing a win over James Vick, setting up an all Team Faber final. That’s where it all ended, let’s take a few minutes and walk you through the hour of excitement. Continue Reading

Iaquinta to TUF Finale

Posted by MattPel on May 26, 2012
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After a big win over Vinc Pichel last night, Al Iaquinta is headed to the TUF Finale. Once again Al will have to fight a teammate and friend Mike Chiesa. A big congratulations to Al and good luck in the Finale next Friday. Full episode recap coming here soon. Look for coverage for Iaquinta vs. Chiesa all week, including an interview with Al himself who has recently been connected back with the world. Once again thank you for all the support and a huge thank you to everyone who came to McCanns last night. Another awesome crowd as always.

Fight Night – Iaquinta vs. Pichel

Posted by MattPel on May 25, 2012
Posted in: Iaquinta Nation, Ultimate Fighter Live. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

With just a quick one week turn around, once again it’s fight night. Make sure you tune in tonight when Al Iaquinta fights Vinc Pichel in the Semi Finals, LIVE on FX at 10PM. Check out a short video preview from Ultimate Fighter Lives YouTube account HERE. Don’t forget big viewing party and open bar for the fight at McCanns Pub and Grill tonight(5590 Merrick Rd, Massapequa NY, 11758)

Every week each fight gets more important and a little bit tougher. After a dominating performance over Andy Ogle last week, Iaquinta will take on the tough Vinc Pichel in what Iaquinta has once again called the biggest fight of his life. The two will do something that neither fighter has ever done before. Fight in back to back weeks with a spot in the Finale on the line. I discussed earlier in the week that Iaquinta may have a bit of an advantage here. He didn’t get to banged up during his quarter final fight and was able to knock out Ogle in the first round. Pichel went through a tough back and fourth battle with Saunders last week that likely took a toll on his body physically. This could have effected his training as well during the week.

Photo by UFC

Regardless of what happened last week, its time to get back in the cage in a crucial Semi Final fight that will send one fighter to the Finals. Pichel seems like he’s looking ahead. More then once he’s commented saying “when I beat Al” or “once I beat Al and I’m in the finals.” I’m sorry but with all due respect, that’s bull shit. Al is way to tough of an opponent to just be looking past him like that. Al has once again done the opposite. All he’s talked about is his Semi Final fight this week, the “biggest” fight of his life. Al has worked way to hard and come way to far. He’s comeback from a hand injury that most people said he couldn’t. He beat a guy to get into the house that many said he wasn’t on the same level as. He outworked Myles Jury in three rounds when most said Jury would “pick him a part”. Every time someone has doubted him he’s come through and proven them wrong. Tonight he’ll do that again. He’s one step closer to achieving his dream, as well as a UFC contract and he won’t accept failure. Last week he sent a message and now people are really starting to pay attention. Al Iaquinta is fighting with a purpose, and he won’t stop until he’s the last one standing. Get excited Iaquinta Nation it’s Fight Night. Lets go to War.

-Matt Pellicane

Watch Al in “TUF Talk”

Posted by MattPel on May 23, 2012
Posted in: Iaquinta Nation. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

Watch Al HERE in his weekly edition of “TUF Talk.” Hear Al’s thoughts on his fight against Andy and the aftermath of fighting a teammate. Iaquinta also discusses his preparation for the week leading up to his fight with Vinc Pichel. As always a big thank you to Mark La Monica for putting all of this together. It’s been great having Al answer some questions in “TUF Talk” every week. All of Iaquinta Nation really appreciates it.

 

A look into Iaquinta vs. Pichel

Posted by MattPel on May 23, 2012
Posted in: Iaquinta Nation, Ultimate Fighter Live. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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This Friday it will be two big Semi Final fights on the Ultimate Fighter Live. Mike Chiesa will face off against James Vick, and Al Iaquinta taking on Vinc Pichel. Where Chiesa and Vick have had had two weeks to recover, Iaquinta and Pichel will deal with a quick turn around fighting in back to back weeks. “It’s kind of crazy, I’ve never fought week after week like this” Pichel said. “Definitely some pressure keeping my weight down.” What works in Iaquinta’s favor is the fact that his fight last week wasn’t as much of a grind as Pichel’s, and not as much of a toll physically. Continue Reading

TUF Finale Under Card Set

Posted by MattPel on May 23, 2012
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This Friday’s Semi Final Fights between Mike Chiesa and James Vick, and Al Iaquinta and Vinc Pichel will decide who’s going to earn their spot in the Finals on June 1st. Other fights on the card will feature Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampann, Jonathan Brookins vs. Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway vs. Pat Schilling. Today on the TUF Live TWITTER account the rest of the under card was announced featuring the fighters from the TUF House. Some very interesting fights, but the biggest question still remains. Which two fighters will be in the finale fighting for that UFC contract? Much more Iaquinta vs. Pichel coverage later today.

 

John Cofer Vs. Justin Lawrence

 

Daron Cruickshank Vs. Chris Tickle

 

Cristiano Marcello Vs. Sam Sicilia

 

Joe Proctor Vs. Jeremy Larsen

 

Chris Saunders Vs. Myles Jury

 

 

 

Iaquinta and Pichel Laugh it up

Posted by MattPel on May 23, 2012
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It’s going to be all business this week for Al Iaquinta and Vinc Pichel but here’s a little something to lighten the mood. Hear both fighters talk about things they miss from home, life in the house, there favorite roommates, and much more. Check the video out HERE. Unbelievable to think that after this week these guys will have all been away from home, and with barely any contact with the world for three months. Lets see all you try and go a day or two without TV, Facebook, Twitter, or your iPhone. I know I couldn’t.

-Matt