Al Iaquinta Explained

Al Iaquinta
Nickname:Raging
Birth Date:30 April 1987
Birth Place:Valley Stream, New York, U.S.
Residence:Seaford, New York, U.S.
Height:[1]
Weight:155lb
Weight Class:Lightweight
Reach:70 in[2]
Stance:Orthodox [3]
Fighting Out Of:Wantagh, New York, U.S.
Team:Serra-Longo Fight Team
Rank:Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Matt Serra[4]
Years Active:2009–2021
Mma Kowin:7
Mma Subwin:1
Mma Decwin:6
Mma Koloss:1
Mma Subloss:3
Mma Decloss:3
Mma Draw:1
Am Win:14
Am Loss:0
Sherdog:42817

Al Iaquinta (born April 30, 1987) is an American Real Estate Agent and former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, having once challenged for the Lightweight championship belt. A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Iaquinta has been signed with the UFC since 2012.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Iaquinta, who is of Italian descent, wrestled at Wantagh High School[5] and went on to earn his associate degree from Nassau Community College, where he also wrestled.[6] Before turning pro, Iaquinta had a perfect amateur record of 14–0. Iaquinta began his pro MMA career fighting for the Ring of Combat promotion. There, he earned a record of 5–1–1.[7]

The Ultimate Fighter

Iaquinta was one of 32 lightweight fighters announced by the UFC to participate in first live season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show.[8] Iaquinta advanced into the TUF house by defeating Jon Tuck by unanimous decision after one round.[9] Afterwards, he was chosen as first pick for Team Faber.

After his team lost the first two matches, Iaquinta earned the first win for Team Faber by defeating Myles Jury via split decision after three rounds.[10]

In the quarter-finals, Iaquinta fought Team Faber teammate, Andy Ogle. Iaquinta won via TKO in the closing moments of round one.[11] The win advanced Iaquinta into the semi-finals where he faced Team Cruz's Vinc Pichel. Iaquinta defeated Pichel via unanimous decision after two rounds and moved on to the finals against teammate Michael Chiesa.[12]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Iaquinta officially made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1, 2012, against Michael Chiesa to determine the winner of . Iaquinta lost to Chiesa by submission due to a rear naked choke early in the first round.[13]

Iaquinta was expected to face Joe Proctor on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159.[14] However, the bout was scrapped as both fighters sustained training injuries leading up to the fight.[15]

Iaquinta faced Ryan Couture on August 31, 2013, at UFC 164, replacing an injured Quinn Mulhern.[16] He won the bout via unanimous decision, after dominating the fight on the feet and negating all of Couture's takedown attempts.

Iaquinta was expected to face Anthony Njokuani on October 26, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 30, replacing an injured Paul Taylor.[17] Then on September 24, Njokuani pulled out of the event with an injury.[18] Iaquinta instead faced Piotr Hallmann.[19] He won the fight by unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, and 30–27).

Iaquinta faced Kevin Lee at UFC 169 on February 8, 2014. He won the fight by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 28–27).[20]

Iaquinta faced Mitch Clarke at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014.[21] He lost the fight via submission (D'arce choke) in the second round.

Iaquinta faced Rodrigo Damm at UFC Fight Night 50 on September 5, 2014.[22] Iaquinta defeated Damm via third-round TKO.[23] [24]

Iaquinta faced Ross Pearson on November 8, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 55.[25] Despite being the underdog, Iaquinta won the fight via TKO in the second round.[26]

Iaquinta faced Joe Lauzon on January 31, 2015, at UFC 183.[27] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[28]

Iaquinta faced Jorge Masvidal on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63.[29] He won the bout via controversial split decision.[30] 13 of 15 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Masvidal.[31]

Iaquinta was expected to face Bobby Green on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71.[32] However, Green pulled out of the fight in mid-June, citing an undisclosed injury, and he was replaced by Gilbert Melendez.[33] Subsequently, Melendez was removed from the card on July 6, after it was revealed that he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs after his previous fight at UFC 188.[34] In turn, Iaquinta was removed from the card as well.[35]

Iaquinta was expected to face Thiago Alves on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205.[36] However, Iaquinta announced on September 19 that he would not be taking the fight due to a contract dispute with the promotion.[37]

After two years away from the sport, Iaquinta returned to face Diego Sanchez on April 22, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 108.[38] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[39]

Iaquinta was expected to face Paul Felder on December 2, 2017, at UFC 218.[40] However, Iaquinta pulled out of the fight on October 31 due to being unsatisfied with his current contract, and he was replaced by Charles Oliveira.[41]

UFC Lightweight Championship fight

The bout with Felder was rescheduled and was expected to take place on April 7, 2018, at UFC 223.[42] However, because of an injury to interim UFC Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson and the state athletic commission's decision to pull replacement UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway over concerns over his weight cut, Iaquinta was scheduled as a replacement against Khabib Nurmagomedov in the five round main event.[43] Although the fight was scheduled for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship, only Nurmagomedov was eligible to win the championship due to Iaquinta weighing in at 155.2 lbs which is two tenths of a pound over the championship weight limit of 155. Iaquinta had already weighed in for his fight against Paul Felder prior to officially being announced as the new replacement. Non-championship bouts allow fighters to weigh in one pound over the limit.[44] Ultimately, Iaquinta lost the fight via unanimous decision.[45]

Post UFC Lightweight Championship fight

Iaquinta was scheduled to face Justin Gaethje on August 25, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 135.[46] However, on June 28, 2018, Iaquinta withdrew from the bout, and he was replaced by James Vick.[47]

Iaquinta faced Kevin Lee in a rematch on December 15, 2018, at UFC on Fox 31.[48] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[49] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[50]

Iaquinta faced Donald Cerrone on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 151.[51] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[52] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night bonus award.[53]

Iaquinta faced Dan Hooker on October 6, 2019, at UFC 243.[54] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[55]

Iaquinta faced Bobby Green on November 6, 2021, at UFC 268.[56] Iaquinta lost the fight via first round TKO, marking the first time that he lost by TKO in his professional MMA career.[57]

Iaquinta said in an interview on the MMA Hour he wasn't sure if he was retired yet and he's up in the air in regards to this.[58]

Submission Underground

On February 23, 2020, Iaquinta faced Mike Perry at Chael Sonnen's Submission Underground 11 event.[59] He lost the fight via fastest escape time.[60] [61]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Personal life

Iaquinta is a licensed real estate agent. He started the process of acquiring a license after a contract dispute for his fight against Thiago Alves at UFC 205.[64]

Mixed martial arts record

|-|Loss|align=center|14–7–1|Bobby Green|TKO (punches)|UFC 268||align=center|1|align=center|2:25|New York City, New York, United States||-|Loss|align=center|14–6–1|Dan Hooker|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 243||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Melbourne, Australia||-|Loss|align=center|14–5–1|Donald Cerrone|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|5|align=center|5:00|Ottawa, Ontario, Canada||-|Win|align=center|14–4–1|Kevin Lee|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|5|align=center|5:00|Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States||-|Loss|align=center|13–4–1|Khabib Nurmagomedov| Decision (unanimous)|UFC 223||align=center| 5|align=center| 5:00|Brooklyn, New York, United States||-|Win|align=center|13–3–1|Diego Sanchez| KO (punches)|||align=center| 1|align=center| 1:38|Nashville, Tennessee, United States||-|Win|align=center|12–3–1|Jorge Masvidal| Decision (split)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Fairfax, Virginia, United States||-|Win|align=center|11–3–1|Joe Lauzon|TKO (punches)|UFC 183||align=center|2|align=center|3:34|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center||Ross Pearson|TKO (punches)|||align=center|2|align=center|1:39|Sydney, Australia||-|Win|align=center|9–3–1|Rodrigo Damm|TKO (punches and elbows)|||align=center| 3|align=center| 2:26|Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States||-|Loss|align=center|8–3–1|Mitch Clarke|Technical Submission (D'Arce choke)|UFC 173||align=center| 2|align=center| 0:57|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|8–2–1|Kevin Lee|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 169||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Newark, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center|7–2–1|Piotr Hallmann|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Manchester, England||-|Win|align=center|6–2–1| Ryan Couture|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 164||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States||-|Loss|align=center|5–2–1| Michael Chiesa|Technical Submission (rear-naked choke)|The Ultimate Fighter: Live Finale||align=center|1|align=center|2:47|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|5–1–1| Pat Audinwood|Submission (armbar)|Ring of Combat 38||align=center|1|align=center|2:06|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center|5–0–1| Gabriel Miglioli|TKO (punches)|Ring of Combat 37||align=center|1|align=center|0:26|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center|4–0–1| Gabriel Miglioli|Decision (split)|Ring of Combat 36||align=center|3|align=center|4:00|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center|3–0–1| Joshua Key|TKO (punches)|Ring of Combat 27||align=center|1|align=center|1:47|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center|2–0–1| Tim Sylvester|KO (punch)|Ring of Combat 25||align=center|1|align=center|0:15|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Draw|align=center|| Will Martinez|Draw (unanimous)|Ring of Combat 24||align=center|3|align=center|4:00|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Win|align=center|1–0| Mervin Rodriguez|Submission (anaconda choke)|Ring of Combat 23||align=center|1|align=center|1:15|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States|

|-|Win|align=center|4–0| Vinc Pichel| Decision (unanimous)| rowspan=4|| (Live airdate)|align=center|2|align=center|5:00| rowspan=4|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|3–0| Andy Ogle| TKO (elbow and punches)| (Live airdate)|align=center|1|align=center|4:44||-|Win|align=center|2–0| Myles Jury| Decision (split)| (Live airdate)|align=center|3|align=center|5:00||-|Win|align=center|1–0| Jon Tuck| Decision (unanimous)| (Live airdate)|align=center|1|align=center|5:00|[65]

Pay-per-view bouts

!No!Event!Fight!Date!Venue!City!PPV buys
1.UFC 223Khabib vs. IaquintaApril 7, 2018Barclays CenterBrooklyn, New York, United States350,000[66]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Al Iaquinta Stats, News, Bio.
  2. Web site: Fight Card - UFC 173 Barao vs. Dillashaw. UFC.com. May 26, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140526084828/http://uk.ufc.com/event/UFC173/printFightCard. May 26, 2014. dead. mdy-all.
  3. News: UFC 223 main-card breakdown: Three potential barnburners in Brooklyn. 2018-04-06. MMAjunkie. 2018-04-06. en-US.
  4. Web site: Interview with Al Iaquinta. MMA Narcotic. Daniel Clark. August 18, 2012.
  5. News: Winning only routine Iaquinta aims to keep. Newsday. en.
  6. Web site: Al Laquinta UFC Bio. 2014-01-01.
  7. Web site: Al Iaquinta MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com. Sherdog.com. Sherdog.
  8. Web site: 'The Ultimate Fighter 15' cast unveiled with 32 lightweight fighters . MMAJunkie.com . February 27, 2012 . February 27, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120229050947/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27602/the-ultimate-fighter-15-cast-unveiled-with-32-lightweight-fighters.mma . February 29, 2012 .
  9. Web site: Mixed martial arts results, Season 15 - The Ultimate Fighter . State of Nevada, Department of Business and Industry Athletic Commission . March 9, 2012 . March 25, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120617073556/http://boxing.nv.gov/2012%20Results%20Web/03-09-12%20TUF.pdf . June 17, 2012 .
  10. Web site: Episode No. 4 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live' . MMAJunkie.com . March 30, 2012 . May 14, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120519015244/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28050/episode-no-4-recap-the-ultimate-fighter-live.mma . May 19, 2012 .
  11. Web site: Episode No. 11 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live' . MMAJunkie.com . May 18, 2012 . May 18, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120521232214/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28783/episode-no-11-recap-the-ultimate-fighter-live.mma . May 21, 2012 .
  12. Web site: Episode No. 12 Recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live'. mmajunkie.com. May 25, 2012.
  13. Web site: Chiappetta. Mike. 2012-06-01. Ultimate Fighter Results: Michael Chiesa Beats Al Iaquinta to Win TUF Live. 2021-11-20. MMA Fighting. en.
  14. Web site: Joe Proctor vs. Al Iaquinta joins 'UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen' card. MMAJunkie.com. Staff . January 31, 2013 . January 31, 2013.
  15. Web site: Al Iaquinta also injured, fight pulled from UFC 159 lineup. mmajunkie.com. Staff. April 12, 2013. April 12, 2013.
  16. Web site: Quinn Mulhern out, Al Iaquinta meets Ryan Couture at UFC 164 in Milwaukee . mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2013-07-16. 2013-07-16.
  17. Web site: Al Iaquinta replaces Paul Taylor, faces Anthony Njokuani at UFC Fight Night 30 . mmajunkie.com . 19 September 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060645/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/al-iaquinta-replaces-paul-taylor-faces-anthony-njokuani-at-ufc-fight-night-30 . 21 September 2013 .
  18. Web site: Injury knocks Anthony Njokuani out of UFC Fight Night 30 bout with Al Iaquinta. MMAjunkie.com. Staff. 24 September 2013. 2013-09-24.
  19. Web site: Piotr Hallman replaces Njokuani, meets Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 30. MMAjunkie.com. Staff. 26 September 2013. 2013-09-26.
  20. News: UFC 169 results: Al Iaquinta wins entertaining scrap against Kevin Lee. mmafighting.com. Dave Doyle. 2014-02-01. 2018-10-11.
  21. Web site: Iaquinta heading to Vegas to face Clarke. UFC.com. Thomas Gerbasi. 2014-02-26. 2014-02-26.
  22. Web site: Al Iaquinta vs. Rodrigo Damm in the works for UFC Fight Night 50 on Sept. 5 in Connecticut. mmamania.com. Jesse Holland. 2014-07-12. 2014-07-12.
  23. Web site: UFC Fight Night 50 results: Al Iaquinta batters, finishes Rodrigo Damm. mmajunkie.com. John Morgan. 2014-09-05. 2014-09-05.
  24. News: Commission adjusts Al Iaquinta finish time of Rodrigo Damm at UFC Fight Night 50. MMAjunkie.com. Matt Erickson. September 15, 2014.
  25. Web site: Ross Pearson vs. Al Iaquinta set for UFC Fight Night 55 in Sydney. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2014-10-02. 2014-10-02.
  26. Web site: UFC Fight Night 55 results: Al Iaquinta shuts down Ross Pearson in second. mmajunkie.com. Matt Erickson. 7 November 2014. 7 November 2014.
  27. Web site: Joe Lauzon vs. Al Iaquinta set for UFC 183. mmafighting.com. Ariel Helwani. 2014-11-26. 2014-11-26.
  28. Web site: Al Iaquinta batters Joe Lauzon for TKO win. foxsports.com . Elias Cepeda. 2015-01-31. 2015-01-31.
  29. Web site: Al Iaquinta vs. Jorge Masvidal booked for UFC Fight Night 63. themmareport.com. Jason Floyd. 2015-02-02. 2015-02-02.
  30. News: RECAP! Raging Al Wins Controversial Decision. MMAmania.com.
  31. Web site: Al Iaquinta def. Jorge Masvidal :: UFC Fight Night 63 :: MMA Decisions. mmadecisions.com.
  32. Web site: Al Iaquinta vs. Bobby Green announced for UFC Fight Night in San Diego. mmafighting.com. Dave Doyle. 2015-04-26. 2015-04-26.
  33. Web site: Gilbert Melendez in to face Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 71. mmajunkie.com. Brent Brookhouse. 2015-06-17. 2015-06-17.
  34. News: Gilbert Melendez fails UFC 188 post-fight drug test, pulled from UFC Fight Night 71 card. mmajunkie.com. Brent Brookhouse. 2015-07-06. 2015-07-06.
  35. News: Iaquinta pulled from UFC Fight Night 71, Gamburyan vs. Jorgensen gets main card nod. mmajunkie.com. John Morgan. 2015-07-06. 2015-07-06.
  36. Web site: Al Iaquinta vs. Thiago Alves in the works for UFC 205. foxsports.com. Jonathan Bradley. 2016-07-08. 2016-07-15.
  37. Web site: UFC 205: Contract dispute forces Al Iaquinta from Thiago Alves fight on Nov. 12. mmamania.com. Jesse Holland. 2016-09-19. 2016-09-19.
  38. Web site: UFC announces Nashville event for April 22nd. Four fights officially added to the card. mmamad.com. Dale Jordan. 2017-02-12. 2017-02-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20170214005541/http://www.mmamad.com/2017/02/12/ufc-announces-nashville-event-for-april-22nd-four-fights-officially-added-to-the-card/. 2017-02-14. dead.
  39. News: UFC Fight Night 108 results: Al Iaquinta destroys Diego Sanchez with combination of right hands. mmajunkie.com. Ben Fowlkes. 2017-04-23. 2017-04-23.
  40. News: UFC 218: No. 11 Al Iaquinta vs. Paul Felder added to LCA fight. freep.com. Brandon Folsom. 2017-10-12. 2017-10-12.
  41. News: Al Iaquinta out, Charles Oliveira in against Paul Felder at UFC 218. mmajunkie.com. Steven Marrocco. 2017-10-31. 2017-10-31.
  42. News: Take 2? Paul Felder vs. Al Iaquinta booked for UFC 223. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2018-01-14. 2018-01-15.
  43. Web site: UFC 223. ufc.com. 14 September 2018.
  44. News: Al Iaquinta meets Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 – but only Nurmagomedov couldn win title. 2018-04-06. MMAjunkie. 2018-04-07. en-US.
  45. News: UFC 223 results: Khabib Nurmagomedov dominates Al Iaquinta to become new lightweight champ. 2018-04-08. MMAjunkie. 2018-04-08. en-US.
  46. News: Justin Gaethje vs. Al Iaquinta Official For UFC Lincoln • MMA News. 2018-06-13. MMA News. 2018-06-14. en-US.
  47. News: UFC announces James Vick as replacement for Al Iaquinta vs. Justin Gaethje in UFC Lincoln main event. MMA Fighting. 2018-06-28.
  48. Web site: UFC announces main fight between Kevin Lee vs Al Iaquinta for Dec. 15 card at Fiserv Forum. amp.jsonline.com.
  49. Web site: UFC on FOX 31 live blog: Kevin Lee vs. Al Iaquinta 2. Lee. Alexander K.. 2018-12-15. MMA Fighting. 2018-12-16.
  50. Web site: UFC on FOX 31 bonuses: AI Iaquinta earns Performance of the Night for win over Kevin Lee. Doyle. Dave. 2018-12-15. MMA Fighting. 2018-12-16.
  51. News: Sources: Iaquinta, Cerrone agree to May 4 fight. Brett Okamoto. espn.com. 2019-03-19. 2019-03-19.
  52. Web site: UFC Ottawa Results: Donald Cerrone Outclasses Al Iaquinta in Fantastic Performance. Doherty. Dan. 2019-05-04. Cageside Press. en-US. 2019-05-05.
  53. Web site: UFC Ottawa post-fight bonuses: Cerrone and Iaquinta score FOTN honors. 2019-05-04. bloodyelbow.com. Stephie Haynes. 2019-05-05.
  54. Web site: Al Iaquinta vs. Dan Hooker toegevoegd aan UFC 243 in Melbourne. DNA. MMA. 22 August 2019. en-US. 2019-08-22.
  55. Web site: UFC 243 Results: Dan Hooker Impresses in Dominant Performance. Doherty. Dan. 2019-10-06. Cageside Press. en-US. 2019-10-06.
  56. Web site: Gonzalez. Gabriel. 2021-08-29. UFC 268: Al Iaquinta Returns for Bout Against Bobby Green. 2021-08-29. Cageside Press. en-US.
  57. Web site: Evanoff. Josh. 2021-11-06. UFC 268 Results: Bobby Green Finishes The Returning Al Iaquinta. 2021-11-07. Cageside Press. en-US.
  58. News: The door isn't closed just yet. Feeling healthy, Al Iaquinta tells Ariel Helwani "we'll see" about the possibility of him fighting again. . 2 February 2022 . MMAFighting.com.
  59. News: Hannoun . Farah . Al Iaquinta to face Mike Perry in grappling match at Submission Underground 11 . 11 April 2020 . MMA Junkie.
  60. News: Harkness . Ryan . Highlights: Mike Perry beats Al Iaquinta at Submission Underground 11 . 11 April 2020 . MMA Mania.
  61. News: Shelton . Cole . Submission Underground 11 Results & Highlights . 11 April 2020 . BJPenn.com.
  62. Web site: UFC on FOX 31 bonuses: AI Iaquinta earns Performance of the Night for win over Kevin Lee. Doyle. Dave. 2018-12-15. MMA Fighting. 2018-12-16.
  63. Web site: UFC Ottawa post-fight bonuses: Cerrone and Iaquinta score FOTN honors. Haynes. Stephie. 2019-05-04. Bloody Elbow. 2019-05-05.
  64. News: Video: Real estate agent delivers vicious KO in UFC. News.com.au. 23 April 2017. Martin. Damon.
  65. Web site: Al Iaquinta MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com. Sherdog.com. Sherdog. 2019-08-21.
  66. Web site: UFC 223: Khabib vs. Iaquinta MMA Event . Tapology . en.

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