MELBOURNE, Australia – Al Iaquinta had no hesitation to make the trip down under again.
The former lightweight title challenger Iaquinta (14-5-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC), takes on Dan Hooker (18-8 MMA, 8-4 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC 243, which takes place Saturday (Sunday locally) at Marvel Stadium. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
At Thursday’s open workout session ahead of the event, Iaquinta shared his excitement for the opportunity to compete in front of the Australian fans again.
He has fond memories there, scoring a second round finish in Sydney over Ross Pearson in 2014, and hopes UFC 243 will be another key moment in his career.
“I love the Australian people,” Iaquinta said. “I fought here in Sydney a couple years back, came back again the year after that, fought a bit of seminars in Sydney. I love Australia, I love the people here. You guys work hard, play hard, I love it.”
An excited Iaquinta had no issues flying half way across the world to take on Hooker in enemy territory, and is anxious to get in there and compete.
“I’m looking forward to fighting,” Iaquinta said. “I wish the fight was tomorrow.”
