Two high-octane lightweights could be set to put on a violent show this July at UFC Fight Night 71.
Bobby Green and Al Iaquinta will do battle at that event, according to a report on Fox Sports 1 provided after Saturday’s UFC 186 broadcast (per MMAjunkie).
Just announced on Fox Sports 1, Al Iaquinta vs. Bobby Green booking for UFC Fight Night in San Diego
— Jason Floyd (@Jason_Floyd) April 26, 2015
The 28-year-old Green (23-6) lost to Edson Barboza in his last outing. It was Green’s first loss in five UFC contests. Eight of his pro wins came by knockout while nine went down by submission.
The 27-year-old Iaquinta (12-3-1) won a controversial decision over Jorge Masvidal early in April at UFC Fight Night 63. After the fight, the previously pro-Iaquinta crowd erupted in boos, which Iaquinta responded by shouting profanities into the microphone on national TV.
“How are you gonna boo me?” Iaquinta said as visibly agitated broadcaster Jon Anik silently held the mic for him. “I f—-n fought my ass off! F–k you!”
Predictably, the crowd’s booing grew even stronger. Iaquinta has refused to back off his actions, insisting the crowd was wrong to boo the decision after it was read.
“You don’t boo me,” Iaquinta said two days later on The MMA Hour broadcast with host Ariel Helwani. “I freakin‘, I’m the reason you’re there watching.”
It would seem to be a bit of a heel turn for Iaquinta, who also has six pro wins by knockout.
The fight could be combustible, with both men showing aggressive streaks inside the cage. Green is also well-known to fans not for only an exciting, finish-seeking style but for his tragic backstory that includes the shooting death of his brother.
There may not be a lot of ground exchanges in this one. Expect a slobberknocker between two young, confident, talented and assertive young lightweights, each looking to take another step toward the inner circle of true contention.
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