Al Iaquinta

Al Iaquinta is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Iaquinta began training in mixed martial arts at a young age after watching the UFC with his brother. He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most highly-regarded lightweights in the world.

Iaquinta made his professional MMA debut in 2009 and quickly began establishing himself as an elite fighter, winning five out of his first six fights by submission or knockout. His impressive record earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter Live, where he won two bouts before being eliminated from the competition by eventual champion Michael Chiesa.

In 2013, Iaquinta signed with UFC and made his promotional debut against Ryan Couture at UFC 164. Despite suffering a cut early in the fight that required stitches during intermission, he was able to win via unanimous decision. After defeating Mitch Clarke via TKO later that year he went on to face prominent names such as Joe Lauzon and Jorge Masvidal during 2014–2015 before taking some time off due to injury issues and contractual disputes with the promotion.

He returned for a one-off bout against Diego Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 108 which he won by unanimous decision after dominating from start to finish; this victory also earned him Performance of the Night honors for exemplary performance inside cage . Following this successful return , Al went on another lengthy hiatus till fought Donald Cerrone at UFC Ottawa ( main event ) following which again contract issues led him t taking a break from competing .

Currently residing back home al remained busy coaching , cornering fighters while further pursuing outside business interests including investing regularly into real estate projects along side running Raging Al MMA school located closeby . He continued though expressing interest for comeback every now n then yet it took more than 2 years for USADA finally cleared path for Al’s return when they granted him exemption from mandatory 4 months testing period under their prescribed rules .

Later that same year following multiple high profile injuries forcing withdrawals , Al stepped up alongside Kevin Lee do headline 2018’s edition of Cleveland ‘s show wherein acted good enough judge awarding split decision win over Lee unto himself ! This very same card also witnessed another emphatic performance well recognized throughout community leading towards biggest financial compensation of Al ‘s entire career so far !

Today despite still struggling through various contractual issue w/UFC , al remains active & driven looking forward towards continuing compete consistently beside remaining passionate about teaching & motivating next generation fighters through relentless hard work ethic & dedication instilled over past decade plus long journey involve speaking engagements too .. !!