Talk to us about your last fight going to England and fighting Piotr Hallman. Your thoughts on England and having the opportunity to fight there?
It was a great experience. It was a part of the world I probably never would have gotten a chance to see, a really awesome opportunity. It was a great fight in the octagon under the lights, against a tough opponent. The fight did a great job getting me ready for the next one.
At UFC 169 you’ll have a chance to keep this win streak going taking on new comer Kevin Lee. What are your initial thoughts on what you’ve seen from him so far?
He has a lot of amateur experience just like I did. He’s got a long reach, good stand up, and a decent wrestling background. At the end of the day I don’t think he’s faced the same quality of guys that I have.
Lee has won his last three fights by way of submission. How will this change your approach if at all?
I’ll look at what he does and be prepared for it. Otherwise I’m working on my game and fine tuning everything that I do well, making sure I bring my best game into the octagon.
It’s difficult getting into someone else’s head, but do you think a young 21 year old Lee will have a difficult time adjusting to a big stage on National TV?
It can be, it really depends on the person and how they react to it. Regardless all I can do is prepare the best I can and expect that he’ll be ready to go.
“At the end of the day I don’t think he’s faced the same quality of guy’s that I have.”
Injuries canceled your fight at UFC 159. Now you have another opportunity to fight locally in front of friends, family, and teammates. How important is that for you after traveling so far from home for your last two fights?
The support I’ve gotten from my friends and family is really awesome. They always get together to watch the fights, being able to have them there live is great. I’m lucky enough to always have friends and family attending my fights, having it so close will hopefully get a lot of people down who can’t normally make it. It’s great having them there to support me and watch my back.
Your TUF coach Urijah Faber was just added to the UFC 169 card to fill in for the injured Dominick Cruz and fight Renan Barao for the Bantamweight title. What are your thoughts on that fight?
It’s an awesome opportunity for him, he’s had an unbelievable year. I think his hard work will pay off and he’ll come home with the strap.
You we’re just recently out in California for several weeks training with Urijah Faber and Team Alpha Male. Tell us about that experience and having the opportunity to train with those guys.
They have a bunch of great guys to train with right around my weight. Everyone who trains there has a great attitude, they’re a pleasure to train with. They’ve given me some great tips to add to my game that I’ll carry into this upcoming fight.
Any additional thoughts or comments?
Thank you everyone for the support, looking forward to the fight in a few weeks. Hope you all can make it to the Prudential Center. Follow me on Twitter @AlIaquinta, IaquintaMMA.com, or right here at Iaquinta Nation!
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 