A lightweight bout between New York’s own Al Iaquinta and former welterweight title contender Thiago “Pitbull” Alves has been announced for UFC 205, which marks the UFC’s first show in New York.
Sources informed MMAFighting.com‘s Ariel Helwani of the news.
Iaquinta (12-3-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter season 15, but was choked unconscious by Michael Chiesa in the first round. He was given another shot in the UFC, though, and made good of it, winning three in a row with decision victories over Ryan Couture, Piotr Hallmann and Kevin Lee. Iaquinta then suffered the second loss of his UFC career, once again being choked unconscious, this time by Mitch Clarke at UFC 173. Since the loss, Iaquinta has put together four consecutive wins, stopping Rodrigo Damm, Ross Pearson and Joe Lauzon before edging a split decision against Jorge Masvidal.
Alves (21-10 MMA, 13-7 UFC) went 9-2 in the UFC before getting a chance to face Georges St. Pierre for the welterweight strap. “Pitbull” was dominated throughout the bout and eventually lost a decision. Alves then faced Jon Fitch, and lost via decision again, marking the first losing streak of his UFC career. Alves faced John Howard at UFC 124, and managed to get back to winning ways with a decision victory. Following the victory, Alves went 1-2, with a loss to Rick Story, a victory over Papy Abedi and a loss to Martin Kampmann. Alves was then out for over two years with various injury problems before returning in April of 2014 and taking home a decision against Seth Baczynski. Alves then picked up his second consecutive win, with a second round TKO victory over Jordan Mein before losing to Carlos Condit in his most recent bout.
UFC 205 takes place live from Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 12, 2016.
