Lightweight

Al Iaquinta

UFC 2012–present · rated in 3 editions · peak overall 82.0

Scouting report

Stepping up on short notice to battle Khabib Nurmagomedov across five rounds for the undisputed title at UFC 223 solidified Al "Raging Al" Iaquinta's reputation. Born in Valley Stream, New York, and training under Ray Longo, Iaquinta relies on fundamental boxing and takedown defense, reflected in his 83 Boxing, 77 Wrestling, and 79 Overall score.

Peak ratings

Boxing86
Kickboxing76
Wrestling84
BJJ76
Strength80
Durability86
Cardio86
Fight IQ82

By edition

2014–2015Overall 79
Boxing84
Kickboxing74
Wrestling82
BJJ74
Strength78
Durability84
Cardio84
Fight IQ80

Iaquinta went on a four-fight knockout streak between 2014 and 2015, stopping Rodrigo Damm, Ross Pearson in Sydney, and Joe Lauzon in Las Vegas before taking a split-decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in Fairfax, Virginia. His right hand, Serra-Longo boxing fundamentals, and defensive wrestling are reflected in an 84 Boxing and 84 Durability.

2016–2017Overall 79
Boxing84
Kickboxing74
Wrestling82
BJJ74
Strength78
Durability84
Cardio84
Fight IQ80

Sidelined by contract disputes and knee surgeries through 2016, Iaquinta returned in April 2017 at UFC Fight Night 108 in Nashville, knocking out veteran Diego Sanchez in just 98 seconds with a right hand. His boxing power, takedown defense, and forward pressure maintain his ratings of 84 Boxing and 82 Wrestling.

2018–2019Overall 82
Boxing86
Kickboxing76
Wrestling84
BJJ76
Strength80
Durability86
Cardio86
Fight IQ82

Iaquinta stepped up on one day's notice at UFC 223 in Brooklyn to battle Khabib Nurmagomedov across five championship rounds, before putting on a boxing clinic to defeat Kevin Lee in their December 2018 Milwaukee rematch and dropping decisions to Donald Cerrone and Dan Hooker. His durability, boxing combinations, and fight smarts anchor his 86 Boxing and 82 Fight IQ.

Draft Al Iaquinta into your build

Al Iaquinta enters the pool on any spin landing on lightweight between 2014 and 2019. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.

Ratings shown are our own, built from independent research and from how Al Iaquinta is regarded by the MMA community, with the EA Sports UFC games used only as a starting baseline for the scale. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Al Iaquinta's real-world abilities. See the disclaimer below.