Al Iaquinta: The hero UFC needs now, but not the one it deserves.

After Max Holloway was considered unfit to compete and removed from the card, Iaquinta agreed to step in and fight Khabib. He was already booked to fight Paul Felder on the card earlier but had to step up to save the card.

Long islands own @aliaquinta fighting Khabib on 1 day notice in NY at the @barclayscenter !… https://t.co/ea7NmHNQBu

— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) April 6, 2018

Two of the biggest upsets in UFC history was by fighters from Long Island. Matt Serra knocked out GSP and Chris Weidman knocked out Anderson Silva.

How about this:11 years ago TOMORROW (04/07/07) Matt Serra shocked the MMA world when he knocked out Georges St-Pierre.11 years later, Al Iaquinta, a disciple of Serra (and Ray Longo), attempts to pull off the impossible against Khabib Nurmagomedov.Can’t script this.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 6, 2018

On this day, 11 years back at UFC 69, Matt Serra knocked out the Canadian MMA superstar Georges St-Pierre while thousands of Canadian spectators.

Matt Serra after the historic win against Georges St-Pierre.

This was one of the biggest upset wins in combat sports history. Back then GSP was the poster child of the MMA world.

Today, Serra's pupil, Al Iaquinta decided to repeat the same against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 for the lightweight title but failed.

Iaquinta's earlier triumph.

Al Iaquinta was an underdog in his matchup against Khabib, but his fight record is remarkable. He was on a five-fight win streak before he lost UFC 233 main event against Khabib.

Damn, that gold sure does look good next to Ragin' Al. pic.twitter.com/veJGUDEHCs

— Petey Passguarté (@PeteyandJia) April 6, 2018

Last year at UFC FN 108, he won the fight against Diego Sanchez by KO in the first round. and the fact that he was away from the sport for two years before this fight makes this extra special.

Iaquinta had a split decision victory against Jorge Masvidal. He also had a unanimous decision victory against 'The Motown Phenom' Kevin Lee at UFC 169.

He has the previous history of taking a fight on short notice, Ryan Couture was expected to face Quinn Mulhern at UFC 164. However, Mulhern was forced out with a hand injury and was replaced by him.

The Real Brooklyn Gangster

In the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Khabib described Iaquinta as 'The Real Brooklyn Gangster'.

Underrated #UFC223 Moment:Al Iaquinta—beaten and bloodied—comically pretending he was expecting to get the decision win over Khabib. pic.twitter.com/Cfclf7j0au

— McKinley Noble (@KenTheGreat1) April 8, 2018

What prompted Khabib to address him that way is unknown, But prima facie it appears, it was out of respect for showing up on a 1-day notice.

Or maybe it could also be for all the vehement opinions he had about UFC's policies.

Whether he wins or loses, this fight was a boon for the 'Brooklyn gangster' for his legacy and payday.

Warrior king that never was one pic.twitter.com/4u7ca037bx

— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) April 30, 2017

Beef with Dana White

In the 25 years of UFC, its president Dana White faced a variety of issues from different fighters on the roster.

Iaquinta is one such fighter with whom Dana had a beef for a long time. Most of Iaquinta's contentions were regarding Dana not paying fighters what they deserved.

He was disappointed after the Reebok Deal and took a side job as a real estate agent to make up the money he lost in sponsorship.

I hope Iaquinta is paid handsomely for this effort. #UFC223

— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) April 8, 2018

He came back after being upset about the Reebok deal, won via KO against Diago Sanchez and wanted a bonus. but didn't get one.

He has never got a bonus to date, hope Dana pays him abundantly after this fight

Because he's the hero UFC needs now, but not the one it deserves.