“Raging” Al Iaquinta returned in spectacular fashion at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Lobov, but after missing out on a UFC bonus, the New Yorker has hit out at the brass.
In the co-main event of the Nashville, Tennessee event, Iaquinta returned from a two-year hiatus to take on UFC veteran Diego “Lionheart” Sanchez. Sanchez – a UFC fan favourite due to his ‘swing for the fences’ fighting style – is renowned for having a granite-like chin. However, just 98 seconds into the contest, Iaquinta was able to crack Sanchez with a right hook and follow up with a barrage that left “Lionheart” unconscious.
This marked the first time in his illustrious 37-fight career that Sanchez had been completely knocked out cold. Plenty of fighters would have rejoiced in the fact that they had stopped an opponent that many had failed to do so before. However, Al was still raging.
In his post-fight interview, Iaquinta alluded to problems he is having with the UFC regarding his contract and pay. He also made his feelings known later on Twitter after finding out that he would not be receiving a Performance of the Night bonus. His profanity laden tweet has without doubt exacerbated his situation with the UFC but there is no question that “Raging” Al is an asset to the lightweight division.
Fuck you https://t.co/UoGqPspJAw
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) April 23, 2017
Iaquinta is now riding a five fight win streak, four of which have ended via TKO/KO. With such an impressive win over a decorated opponent, Iaquinta should be a couple of fights away from a lightweight title shot. However, “Raging” Al is unsure if he will ever fight again.
Until his contract issues are put to bed, Iaquinta is focusing on accruing other sources of income rather than fighting. Outside of the cage, Iaquinta is a fully licensed real estate agent and publicised that fact to the audience in his post-fight interview with Brian Stann. Is the New-York native touting for new work or will his ongoing issues with the UFC finally be settled?
One thing is for sure, fight fans alike would love to see him compete inside the cage once again.
