Al Iaquinta

Al Iaquinta
Born Alexander Jay Iaquinta
(1987-04-30) April 30, 1987
Wantagh, New York, United States
Other names Raging
Residence Wantagh, New York
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division Lightweight
Reach 70.0 in (178 cm)[1]
Fighting out of Garden City, New York
Team Serra-Longo Fight Team
Rank Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Matt Serra[2]
Years active 2009–2016
Mixed martial arts record
Total 16
Wins 12
By knockout 6
By submission 1
By decision 5
Losses 3
By submission 3
Draws 1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Alexander Jay Iaquinta (/ˌ.əˈkwntə/; born April 30, 1987) is a retired American mixed martial artist. A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Iaquinta has made a name for himself fighting for the Ring of Combat promotion and his stint on FX's The Ultimate Fighter: Live. He is currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is currently #12 in official UFC lightweight rankings and the #8 lightweight fighter in the world by Sherdog.[3][4]

Mixed martial arts career

Iaquinta wrestled at Wantagh High School[5] and went on to earn his associate degree from Nassau Community College.[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 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.[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 onto 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 The Ultimate Fighter: Live. Iaquinta lost to Chiesa by rear naked choke early in the first round.

Iaquinta was expected to face Joe Proctor on April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.[13] However, the bout was scrapped as both fighters sustained training injuries leading up to the fight.[14]

Iaquinta faced Ryan Couture on August 31, 2013 at UFC 164, replacing an injured Quinn Mulhern.[15] 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[16] On September 24, Njokuani pulled out of the event with an injury.[17] Iaquinta instead faced Piotr Hallmann.[18] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Iaquinta faced debuting Kevin Lee at UFC 169 on February 1, 2014.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Iaquinta faced Mitch Clarke at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014.[20] He lost the fight via technical submission in the second round.

Iaquinta faced Rodrigo Damm at UFC Fight Night 50 on September 5, 2014.[21] Iaquinta defeated Damm via third round TKO.[22][23]

Iaquinta faced Ross Pearson on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55.[24] Despite being the underdog, Iaquinta won the fight via TKO in the second round.[25]

Iaquinta faced Joe Lauzon on January 31, 2015 at UFC 183.[26] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[27]

Iaquinta faced Jorge Masvidal on April 4, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 63.[28] He won the bout via split decision.[29] 13 of 15 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Masvidal.[30]

Iaquinta was expected to face Bobby Green on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71.[31] However, Green pulled out of the fight in mid-June citing an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Gilbert Melendez.[32] 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.[33] In turn, Iaquinta was removed from the card as well.[34]

Iaquinta was expected to face Thiago Alves on November 12, 2016 at UFC 205.[35] However, Iaquinta announced on September 19 that he would not be taking the fight due to a contract dispute with the promotion.[36]

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 12–3–1 Jorge Masvidal Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas April 4, 2015 3 5:00 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win 11–3–1 Joe Lauzon TKO (punches) UFC 183 January 31, 2015 2 3:34 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 10–3–1 Ross Pearson TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Bisping November 8, 2014 2 1:39 Sydney, Australia
Win 9–3–1 Rodrigo Damm TKO (punches and elbows) UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi September 5, 2014 3 2:26 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States
Loss 8–3–1 Mitch Clarke Technical Submission (D'Arce choke) UFC 173 May 24, 2014 2 0:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–2–1 Kevin Lee Decision (unanimous) UFC 169 February 1, 2014 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 7–2–1 Piotr Hallmann Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz October 26, 2013 3 5:00 Manchester, England
Win 6–2–1 Ryan Couture Decision (unanimous) UFC 164 August 31, 2013 3 5:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Loss 5–2–1 Michael Chiesa Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale June 1, 2012 1 2:27 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost The Ultimate Fighter 15
Loss 5–1–1 Pat Audinwood Submission (armbar) Ring of Combat 38 November 18, 2011 1 2:06 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 5–0–1 Gabriel Miglioli TKO (punches) Ring of Combat 37 September 9, 2011 1 0:26 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 4–0–1 Gabriel Miglioli Decision (split) Ring of Combat 36 June 17, 2011 3 4:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 3–0–1 Joshua Key TKO (punches) Ring of Combat 27 November 20, 2009 1 1:47 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 2–0–1 Tim Sylvester KO (punch) Ring of Combat 25 June 12, 2009 1 0:15 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Draw 1–0–1 Will Martinez Draw (unanimous) Ring of Combat 24 April 17, 2009 3 4:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Iaquinta penalized one point for fence grabbing.
Win 1–0 Mervin Rodriguez Submission (anaconda choke) Ring of Combat 23 February 20, 2009 1 1:15 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–0 Vinc Pichel Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Live May 25, 2012 (Live airdate) 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter: Live Semi-Final round
Win 3–0 Andy Ogle TKO (elbow and punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Live May 18, 2012 (Live airdate) 1 4:44 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter: Live Quarter-Final round; Knockout of the Season
Win 2–0 Myles Jury Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: Live March 30, 2012 (Live airdate) 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter: Live Preliminary round; Fight of the Season
Win 1–0 Jon Tuck Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Live March 9, 2012 (Live airdate) 1 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter: Live Elimination round

See also

References

  1. "Fight Card - UFC 173 Barao vs. Dillashaw". UFC.com. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  2. Daniel Clark (August 18, 2012). "Interview with Al Iaquinta". MMA Narcotic.
  3. http://www.ufc.com/rankings
  4. "Sherdog's Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". sherdog.com.
  5. http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/winning-the-only-routine-ufc-s-al-iaquinta-aims-to-keep-1.8151654
  6. "Al Laquinta UFC Bio". Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  7. http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Al-Iaquinta-42817
  8. "'The Ultimate Fighter 15' cast unveiled with 32 lightweight fighters". MMAJunkie.com. February 27, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  9. "Mixed martial arts results, Season 15 - The Ultimate Fighter" (PDF). State of Nevada, Department of Business and Industry Athletic Commission. March 9, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  10. "Episode No. 4 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live'". MMAJunkie.com. March 30, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
  11. "Episode No. 11 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live'". MMAJunkie.com. May 18, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  12. "Episode No. 12 Recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live'". mmajunkie.com. May 25, 2012.
  13. Staff (January 31, 2013). "Joe Proctor vs. Al Iaquinta joins 'UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen' card". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved January 31, 2013.
  14. Staff (April 12, 2013). "Al Iaquinta also injured, fight pulled from UFC 159 lineup". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  15. Staff (2013-07-16). "Quinn Mulhern out, Al Iaquinta meets Ryan Couture at UFC 164 in Milwaukee". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-07-16.
  16. "Al Iaquinta replaces Paul Taylor, faces Anthony Njokuani at UFC Fight Night 30". mmajunkie.com. 19 September 2013.
  17. Staff. "Injury knocks Anthony Njokuani out of UFC Fight Night 30 bout with Al Iaquinta". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
  18. Staff. "Piotr Hallman replaces Njokuani, meets Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 30". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-26.
  19. Mike Whitman. "Al Iaquinta welcomes unbeaten lightweight Kevin Lee to Octagon at UFC 169". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  20. Thomas Gerbasi (2014-02-26). "Iaquinta heading to Vegas to face Clarke". UFC.com. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
  21. Jesse Holland (2014-07-12). "Al Iaquinta vs. Rodrigo Damm in the works for UFC Fight Night 50 on Sept. 5 in Connecticut". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  22. John Morgan (2014-09-05). "UFC Fight Night 50 results: Al Iaquinta batters, finishes Rodrigo Damm". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-05.
  23. Matt Erickson (September 15, 2014). "Commission adjusts Al Iaquinta finish time of Rodrigo Damm at UFC Fight Night 50". MMAjunkie.com.
  24. Staff (2014-10-02). "Ross Pearson vs. Al Iaquinta set for UFC Fight Night 55 in Sydney". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-10-02.
  25. Matt Erickson (7 November 2014). "UFC Fight Night 55 results: Al Iaquinta shuts down Ross Pearson in second". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  26. Ariel Helwani (2014-11-26). "Joe Lauzon vs. Al Iaquinta set for UFC 183". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-11-26.
  27. Elias Cepeda (2015-01-31). "Al Iaquinta batters Joe Lauzon for TKO win". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2015-01-31.
  28. Jason Floyd (2015-02-02). "Al Iaquinta vs. Jorge Masvidal booked for UFC Fight Night 63". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-02-02.
  29. {{cite web[url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/4/5/8342193/ufc-fight-night-63-results-recap-jorge-masvidal-vs-al-iaquinta-fight]}}
  30. http://mmadecisions.com/decision/6071/Al-Iaquinta-vs-Jorge-Masvidal
  31. Dave Doyle (2015-04-26). "Al Iaquinta vs. Bobby Green announced for UFC Fight Night in San Diego". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-04-26.
  32. Brent Brookhouse (2015-06-17). "Gilbert Melendez in to face Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 71". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-17.
  33. Brent Brookhouse (2015-07-06). "Gilbert Melendez fails UFC 188 post-fight drug test, pulled from UFC Fight Night 71 card". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-07-06.
  34. John Morgan (2015-07-06). "Iaquinta pulled from UFC Fight Night 71, Gamburyan vs. Jorgensen gets main card nod". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-07-06.
  35. Jonathan Bradley (2016-07-08). "Al Iaquinta vs. Thiago Alves in the works for UFC 205". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
  36. Jesse Holland (2016-09-19). "UFC 205: Contract dispute forces Al Iaquinta from Thiago Alves fight on Nov. 12". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2016-09-19.

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