Al Iaquinta: UFC owner Ari Emanuel will never be one of us, it’s not going to happen

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight slugger Al Iaquinta finally made his way back to the Octagon after taking some time off to test the real estate market in “The Empire State.” Not because “Ragin’ Al” was obsessed with land values, but rather because combat sports had treated him so unkindly.

Specifically, UFC and its method of doing business.

So imagine his disappointment when the promotion was sold to WME | IMG with the promise of a new, fighter-friendly start, which could help combatants reach their full potential, operating under the showbiz muscle of super agent and UFC owner Ari Emanuel.

Sounded good on paper.

“I think Ari Emanuel, he was trying to be one of us, but he’ll never be one of us,” Iaquinta told MMA Junkie about the UFC Fighter Summit. “He was walking around trying to hang out with everybody, which was cool to see that, but he’s just not one of us. It’s not going to happen.”

That explain this move.

Iaquinta (13-3) spent two years on the sidelines with injuries and complaints, before coming back at UFC Fight Night 108, where he smashed Diego Sanchez in the “Nashville” co-main event.

The victory marked his fifth straight and could put him into the title conversation, assuming he lasts that long.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight slugger Al Iaquinta finally made his way back to the Octagon after taking some time off to test the real estate market in “The Empire State.” Not because “Ragin’ Al” was obsessed with land values, but rather because combat sports had treated him so unkindly.

Specifically, UFC and its method of doing business.

So imagine his disappointment when the promotion was sold to WME | IMG with the promise of a new, fighter-friendly start, which could help combatants reach their full potential, operating under the showbiz muscle of super agent and UFC owner Ari Emanuel.

Sounded good on paper.

“I think Ari Emanuel, he was trying to be one of us, but he’ll never be one of us,” Iaquinta told MMA Junkie about the UFC Fighter Summit. “He was walking around trying to hang out with everybody, which was cool to see that, but he’s just not one of us. It’s not going to happen.”

That explain this move.

Iaquinta (13-3) spent two years on the sidelines with injuries and complaints, before coming back at UFC Fight Night 108, where he smashed Diego Sanchez in the “Nashville” co-main event.

The victory marked his fifth straight and could put him into the title conversation, assuming he lasts that long.