Alexander Jay Iaquinta, born on April 30, 1987, is an American mixed martial artist and real estate agent. 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. Outside the octagon, he is a licensed real estate agent. He currently holds a professional record of 13 wins and 3 losses.
Iaquinta, who is of Italian descent, wrestled at Wantagh High School and went on to earn his associate degree from Nassau Community College, where he also wrestled. 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.
Iaquinta was one of 32 lightweight fighters announced by the UFC to participate in first live season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Iaquinta advanced into the TUF house by defeating Jon Tuck by unanimous decision and after which 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.
In the quarter-finals, Iaquinta fought Team Faber teammate, Andy Ogle. Iaquinta won via TKO in the closing moments of round one. The win advanced Iaquinta into the semi-finals where he faced Team Cruz’s Vinc Pichel. He defeated Pichel via unanimous decision after two rounds, and moved onto the finals against teammate Michael Chiesa.
He officially made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale in June 2012 against Michael Chiesa to determine the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Live and lost by rear naked choke early in the first round.
Iaquinta faced Ryan Couture in August 2013 at UFC 164, replacing an injured Quinn Mulhern. He won the bout via unanimous decision.
He next faced Piotr Hallmann in October 2013 at UFC Fight Night 30 won the fight by unanimous decision.
Iaquinta faced Mitch Clarke at UFC 173 in May 2014 and lost the fight via technical submission in the second round.
He next faced Rodrigo Damm at UFC Fight Night 50 in September 2014. Iaquinta defeated Damm via third-round TKO.
Iaquinta faced Ross Pearson in November 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55. Despite being the underdog, Iaquinta won the fight via TKO in the second round.
He next faced Joe Lauzon in January 2015 at UFC 183 and won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Iaquinta faced Jorge Masvidal in April 2015 at UFC Fight Night 63 and won the bout via split decision.
After two years away from the sport, Iaquinta returned to face Diego Sanchez in April 2017 at UFC Fight Night 108 and won the fight via knockout.
The bout with Felder was rescheduled and is expected to take place on April 7, 2018 at UFC 223.
Also Read:
SHARE
