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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
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.
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 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.
Photo by UFC
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
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
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
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Check out this VIDEO from Ultimate Fighter’s website titled “Head Games.” Get inside the minds of Al Iaquinta as well as Vinc Pichel before and after their quarter final fights. Both fighters also give some input on their Semi Final fight this Friday Night. Iaquinta once again discusses the challenge of fighting a teammate, and what a strange experience that was. Be sure to continue to check here all week for updated coverage on Al heading into the Semi Finals.
I just wanted to remind everyone, and get some information for all my none Facebook people about McCann’s Friday Night. Come down and watch Al Iaquinta’s Semi Final fight against Vinc Pichel. Same time, same channel as last week. Were going to do an open bar at McCann’s (5590 Merrick Rd, Massapequa NY, 11758). Same deal as always, open bar from 9-12, 40$ all you can drink(top shelf, no shots) and well have some appetizers put out as well. Here’s a link the the FACEBOOK event with some additional details. If you haven’t come down yet it’s an awesome time and the atmosphere is really incredible. The fight will be on every TV with surround sound, so you won’t miss one minute of the action. Come down and support #TeamIaquinta. Even if you aren’t doing the open bar please come down for a drink or two and enjoy the fight. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Friday Night. If you have any questions feel free to send me a message. Remember McCann’s is always the number one spot to watch every UFC on PPV, FUEL, or FX.
UPDATE- Check out Newsday’s Mark La Monica giving McCann’s a shout out for Friday night HERE!
-Matt Pellicane
Jon Anik and Al Iaquinta
Check out Al in this weeks Episode of “Anik Attack” featuring UFC’s Jon Anik. Anik does a great job with his work on the Ultimate Fighter Live, as well as his outstanding commentary on different UFC events. Anik recently just did the commentary along side Kenny Florian during UFC on Fuel. Watch this weeks “Anik Attack” HERE where Anik discusses Iaquinta’s fight with Andy Ogle, and takes a look into his opponent this Friday Vinc Pichel. Jon touches on the other Semi Final fight between Mike Chiesa and James Vick as well. Enjoy, and be sure to check here all week for lots of Semi Final coverage.
Iaquinta Nation 