There’s certainly been more fiery and intense lead-ups to UFC main events, see Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, but it seems pretty clear Kevin Lee and Al Iaquinta aren’t on the best of terms…
The lightweight contenders are scheduled to battle in the main event of UFC on FOX 31 this Saturday, which is going down in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It will mark the second time the two have foughts, as Iaquainta earned a decision win over Lee back in 2014. That fight was Lee’s UFC debut, and since then, the “Motown Phenom” has put together an impressive, 10-2 record.
Well, leading up to UFC Milwuakee, Iaquinta has let it be known that he believes Lee was too arrogant heading into their first fight. The veteran fighter has also said that he plans to teach Lee a lesson again. Lee, on the other hand, has acknowledged that Iaquinta is a tough opponent, but he’s also repeatedly argued he’s a much better fighter now. In addition, Lee has relayed that he’s not a fan of Iaquinta; case in point, more recently the rising lightweight said this (quote via MMA Junkie):
“I don’t even really look at that fight anymore as a building block,” Lee said. “I’m a completely different fighter. I’ve had 12 fights since then and taken on much bigger challenges and I feel like I’m getting better and better each fight, and Al is just another stepping stone into that.
“…Me and him just don’t really mesh together. We’re just two different types of people. I just don’t like his style. I just don’t dig him too much. I just feel like his voice is already big enough – the world needs no more Al Iaquintas. So I’m doing a good job of booting his ass up out of here.”
Now, there’s no question that Iaquinta calls it like he sees it, and that he’s never been described as ‘shy’. But, that’s one reason ‘Ragin’ Al’ continues to draw interest, in addition to what he’s accomplished in the Octagon. But, considering the backstory here, and what’s been said since these two have been booked to fight again, Lee’s comments shouldn’t come as a surprise.
All this aside, this Saturday’s bout is a pivotal one for both men. Lee, who is coming off a one-sided win over Edson Barboza needs a victory to remain in the title shot queue. Iaquinta, meanwhile, could take a big step towards the title shot mix, if he can get by Lee. The heavy-handed fighter is coming off a decision loss to champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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