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Al Iaquinta-Jorge Masvidal Matchup Shapes Up As Solid Co-Main Event For UFC Fight Night 63

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By @RickLaFitte

 

Al Iaquinta batters Joe Lauzon during lightweight battle at UFC 183

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After yet another impressive knockout against a seasoned veteran, surging lightweight contender Al Iaquinta has drawn another stiff test. The Serra-Longo Fight Team product will square off against Jorge Masvidal in what shapes up as an important lightweight tilt at UFC Fight Night 63. The April 4 clash will serve as the co-main event in Fairfax, Virginia.

Iaquinta proved he was for real when he blasted rugged Octagon mainstay Joe Lauzon in the second round of their 155-pound showdown at UFC 183. It was a highly impressive followup to his TKO victory over Ross Pearson at Fight Night 55 in Australia. The 27-year-old Iaquinta has posted three consecutive finishes and has won six of his last seven fights. He’s never looked better and has finally cracked the organization’s top 15 rankings.

“Gamebred” is just happy to have an opponent after potential clashes against Bobby Green and former lightweight champion Benson Henderson fell through. Green withdrew due to injury, while Henderson was moved to the main event slot at Fight Night 60 to make his 170-pound debut later this month against Brandon Thatch.

Masvidal is a tough, talented veteran who possesses a solid all-around game. The no. 13-ranked contender has reeled off three straight wins over Pat Healy, Daron Cruickshank and most recently James Krause. He’s produced a 5-1 Octagon record, with that lone loss coming against Rustam Khabilov. The well-travelled 30-year-old has faced strong competition during the course of his 36-fight career, and has only been knocked out once.

This shapes up as a potentially explosive contest between two lightweights looking to continue their rise up the 155-pound ladder. With Iaquinta and Masvidal not shy about engaging in a stand-up firefight, this matchup is one with Fight of the Night potential.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports

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