Al Iaquinta looked really good last night (Sat., Dec. 15, 2018) at UFC on FOX 31 from inside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when he defeated lightweight contender Kevin Lee in their main event rematch via unanimous decision (video highlights here).
While Iaquinta has produced quality fights in the past, his performance last night against “Motown Phenom” was easily his most impressive to date. He worked through multiple Lee takedowns only to score big right hands and body shots on the feet. Lee did what he could to stay in the fight, but Iaquinta’s offense was simply too abundant and too aggressive.
After the fight, reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reached out to “Raging Al” via Twitter to congratulate the “strong” New Yorker on his main event win:
Congratulations @ALIAQUINTA
I know how strong you are, that’s why I was waiting for your fight. #truetalker— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 16, 2018
Remember, Iaquinta and Khabib fought one another for the UFC lightweight title back at UFC 223 this past April. Iaquinta filled in on short notice to go five hard rounds with the undefeated Russian, only to lose a decision and have Khabib walk out of Brooklyn with UFC gold.
Khabib, who is coming off a submission win over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 this past October, also offered advice to Lee following his second loss to Iaquinta.
Stay humble Kevin lee.
Humble is the key.— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 16, 2018
We don’t know for sure where this victory leaves Iaquinta in the jam-packed lightweight division, but it has to help him regain considerable momentum after his loss to Khabib earlier this year. A matchup with either Justin Gaethje or Edson Barboza, who defeated Dan Hooker in UFC Milwaukee’s co-main event, would be good options at this point.
For complete UFC Milwaukee results and coverage click here.