Ultimate Fighter 15 finalist Al Iaquinta won his first official UFC fight has he defeated Ryan Couture by unanimous decision on the UFC 164 preliminary card.
In the opening round, they would strike for a majority of the round with Iaquinta landing a right hand in the first half of the round that stunned Couture. After feeling the power of Iaquinta, Couture looked for a takedown but it was unsuccessful.
Couture would begin to land leg kicks and also attempted a flying knee. Iaquinta was able to land a takedown in the final ten seconds of the round. He landed several strikes from top position before the round came to an end.
Iaquinta was able to continue his striking success in the second round as he was able to land a right hand in the opening minute of the round. Couture attempted to get the fight to the ground but Iaquinta was able to sprawl and keep the fight on the feet.
The remainder of the second round would stay on the feet with Iaquinta landing more significant strikes. As the round was coming to a conclusion, Iaquinta was able to get a takedown and secure the round.
In the final round, Iaquinta continued to land multiple significant strikes including a flurry against the cage with punches to the body. In the final minute of the fight, Couture appeared to be gassing out and Iaquinta started to tee off. Couture would be able to make it out of the round and the judges would decide the winner.
All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Iaquinta (6-2-1) and this is his first UFC victory. Couture (6-3) has dropped back to back fights since entering the UFC earlier this year.
UFC 164 Results:
Al Iaquinta def. Ryan Couture via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Magnus Cedenblad def. Jared Hamman via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, :57