UFC 223 RESULTS | KHABIB VS IAQUINTA SCORECARD

Fight Information: Khabib vs Iaquinta

On April 7, 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Al Iaquinta for the UFC Lightweight Championship at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Khabib emerged victorious via unanimous decision.

Al Iaquinta

Al Iaquinta, born April 30, 1987, in Long Island, New York, started his martial arts journey in wresting before transitioning to MMA. He gained national attention after participating in UFC’s “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show. Iaquinta fought his way into the UFC through sheer grit and determination, making his official UFC debut in 2012.

Known for his toughness, striking acumen, and ability to press the action, Iaquinta developed a reputation as a fan favorite. Before fighting Khabib, he racked up impressive wins against fighters like Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, and Diego Sanchez.

Despite his loss to Khabib, Iaquinta continued to be a mainstay in the lightweight division. He later fought high-caliber opponents such as Kevin Lee, whom he defeated in their rematch, and Donald Cerrone. With a UFC record of 14-7-1, Iaquinta has sustained his presence as a durable and credible contender in the ultra-competitive lightweight division.

Why did Khabib and Al Iaquinta Fight?

The lead-up to UFC 223 was mired in unprecedented chaos and unpredictability. Originally, Khabib Nurmagomedov was set to challenge interim champion Tony Ferguson for the UFC Lightweight Championship. However, just days before the event, Ferguson tore a ligament in his knee in a freak accident. This marked the fourth time a matchup between Khabib and Ferguson had been scheduled and subsequently canceled, adding to the frustration and anticipation.

With Ferguson out, UFC scrambled to find a suitable replacement. Featherweight champion Max Holloway accepted the fight, stepping up to the lightweight division to face Khabib on six days’ notice. Yet, the whirlwind of complications did not end there. Holloway was deemed medically unfit to compete after his severe weight cut, leaving UFC once again in a precarious position just hours before the official weigh-ins.

Several fighters were considered to replace Holloway, but the situation was resolved uniquely when Al Iaquinta, who was already on the card to fight Paul Felder, stepped in against Khabib. Iaquinta, co-main event fighter and a Brooklyn native was allowed to fight for the title on 24 hours’ notice. Despite the unusual circumstances, the decision was seen as both a career-defining risk and an opportunity for Iaquinta.

In terms of stakes, Khabib had everything to prove. Undefeated with a 25-0 record, Khabib had been branded as the future of the lightweight division, yet critics pointed out that he had not yet faced top-tier strikers or proven himself under championship pressure. This fight was Khabib’s chance to validate his reputation but also a severe risk without adequate time to prepare for his opponent’s specific fighting style.

On the other hand, Iaquinta was thrown into the fire against one of the most feared grapplers in the sport. With a record of 13-3-1 at the time, Iaquinta was already a respected contender. Still, facing Khabib was an entirely different stratosphere of challenge. His willingness to accept the fight on such short notice won him instant admiration from the MMA community.

Hence, the Khabib vs. Iaquinta fight was a product of unprecedented and unforeseen circumstances. It ultimately became an event characterized by resilience, unrelenting will, and the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Al Iaquinta

Khabib vs Iaquinta full fight Overview

The bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Al Iaquinta was a definitive clash where Khabib showcased his wrestling superiority and tactical acumen against a valiant and determined Iaquinta.

Round 1:
Khabib immediately established his game plan, securing a takedown within the first minute. He kept Iaquinta grounded, working to pass guard and applying punishing ground-and-pound. Iaquinta defended valiantly but struggled to get back to his feet.

Round 2:
Khabib continued his grappling assault, once again taking Iaquinta to the mat early in the round. However, Iaquinta showed resilience by defending against submission attempts and managed to land several strikes standing up, albeit briefly.

Round 3:
Switching tactics, Khabib began utilizing his jab and boxing more prominently. Iaquinta showed his striking skills by landing a few clean shots, but Khabib’s improved stand-up game kept him in control. The round saw more stand-up exchanges, surprising many.

Round 4:
Iaquinta’s face bore the marks of Khabib’s relentless jabs. Khabib switched between grappling and striking seamlessly, maintaining control. Though Iaquinta landed more strikes in this round, he failed to pose any significant threat.

Round 5:
The final round remained consistent with the previous ones, with Khabib maintaining dominance through his wrestling and striking versatility. Iaquinta fought till the last second, displaying heart and determination but never truly tipped the scales.

Official Result: Al Iaquinta vs Khabib 

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision

Khabib vs. Iaquinta was a brilliant showcase of versatility and dominance by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who secured victory via unanimous decision with scores of 50-43, 50-44, and 50-43.

The fight began with Khabib’s classic wrestling style, taking Iaquinta down early in the first round. This set the tone for the entire bout. Khabib worked tirelessly from top position, displaying his ground control and transitioning seamlessly between positions. Iaquinta tried to remain composed, defending against Khabib’s onslaught but struggling to get back on his feet.

As the fight progressed, Khabib didn’t relent. In the second round, he continued his dominant ground game, keeping Iaquinta under immense pressure. While Khabib’s control was evident, Iaquinta showcased excellent defensive skills, managing to avoid submissions and making sporadic attempts to stand up.

From the third round onward, Khabib exhibited more of his striking capacity, employing a stiff jab that kept Iaquinta at bay. His boxing, often criticized before, appeared improved, as he managed to outstrike Iaquinta, mixing his game beautifully. Iaquinta had his moments, landing some crisp strikes, but couldn’t sustain any significant offense.

As the fight entered the championship rounds, Khabib remained relentless. The fight saw him alternating between striking and grappling, never allowing Iaquinta to fully settle into any rhythm. The Dagestani fighter proved his versatility and capacity to dominate both on the ground and standing up. Iaquinta, to his credit, displayed incredible heart and fortitude, staying in the fight until the final bell.

The judges’ scorecards reflected Khabib’s dominance, awarding him the bout by unanimous decision. The win earned Khabib his first UFC Lightweight Championship, cementing his status as one of the elite fighters in the sport.

Conclusion

The Khabib vs. Iaquinta fight at UFC 223 was a monumental event borne out of unpredictability and sheer tenacity. An unexpected opponent change led to an electrifying matchup where Khabib Nurmagomedov demonstrated his all-around MMA mastery to claim his first UFC Lightweight Championship. Both fighters showed remarkable resilience, with Iaquinta earning immense respect for stepping in on short notice against a formidable adversary.

Their careers mirror their performances in the octagon—Khabib’s unparalleled dominance and technical excellence contrasted with Iaquinta’s heart and grit. Together, their fight presented a captivating narrative of courage, skill, and the unpredictable drama inherent in mixed martial arts.