Although last night the focus was in Brooklyn for UFC 208, there was breaking news announced during the card for one of New York’s fan favorites. Serra Longo’s Al Iaquinta will make his return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night Swanson vs. Lobov. The fight will take place April 22nd Live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Tennessee. Iaquinta will take on veteran and Ultimate Fighter Season 1 alumni Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez.
Back in July the UFC sold for an astronomical 4 billion dollars. Yet despite that, and with the new Reebok sponsorship deal in place, fighters aren’t seeing changes financially. One of those fighters happens to be ranked 13th in the lightweight division. Al Iaquinta has taken a stand, one that may help other martial artists fighting for the promotion put things into perspective. That these athletes putting their bodies on the line through training, and on fight night, are not being properly compensated or represented.
Today, Iaquinta made his decision well known. He would currently remain off the UFC 205 card in a contract dispute. UFC 205 is the first in New York, at the Worlds most Famous Arena Madison Square Garden. A card that just about every New York fighter is scratching and clawing to become a part of. For Iaquinta it’s become much more. It’s become making a long term life decision, and a moral decision. Over fighting in an arena he’s dreamt about fighting in since entering the sport. With the current deal in place if Iaquinta were to lose the fight, it would be “like fighting at MSG for free” He explained. Continue Reading
It appears fight fans and Iaquinta Nation may get to see Al Iaquinta back in the octagon sooner than expected. After a second opinion on his injured knee, the 155 pound stand out will avoid going under the knife to fix the damaged cartilage. Instead Iaquinta will undergo stem cell injections and plasma therapy. This will keep Iaquinta out for a significantly shorter amount of time, lining him up for a return at the new year. Continue Reading
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
“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
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
For those of you none Facebook people out there here’s some information on the viewing party at McCann’s. McCann’s is your number one spot on Long Island to view all of Iaquinta’s fights as well as every UFC event. McCann’s will be running the same deal as usual for Al’s fights. There will be a $45 open bar from 9pm- 12am ($40 open bar and $5 towards the staff) Appetizers will be put out as well. Iaquinta vs. Lauzon will be the third fight of the main card on PPV. The main card starts at 10pm. I urge you to get there early. The bar will fill up potentially to the point where people will be held at the door. Although the inside will be reserved for all of us get into the building as soon as possible.
Also a reminder that all are welcome even if you aren’t doing the open bar. Please come down have some food and a drink and support Al. Looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday night!
