Serra: Ragin’ Al is going to shock the f@$%ing world

Matt Serra knows what it’s like to face long odds. At UFC 69 on April 7, 2007, he fought the welterweight G.O.A.T. Georges St-Pierre. GSP was 6-0 his last six. Serra was 3-3 over the same span. But ‘The Terra’ shocked and awed the world, knocking out the Canadian in Round 1.

Now Serra’s student Ragin’ Al Iaquinta fights undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 223. Now a coach, ‘The Terra’ likes Iaquinta’s chances.

Al’s extremely well rounded, said Serra to Mike Bohn for MMAjunkie. He’s been in there with some talented, talented guys, and he’s won. Al’s going to shock the f*** world, and this interview’s going to be worth something. … We’re never worried about Al mentally. Mentally this could be too much for a lot of the fighters. But it’s not too much for ‘Ragin’ Al.

We’re going to be talking up until it’s time to go. But Al’s a fighter, and Al’s a dangerous mofo when you lock him in that cage. Everybody’s human, so don’t get caught up in that. Us ‘Strong Island’ boys don’t get caught up in the hype. I respect Khabib. I think he’s one of the best.

There is some question as to whether Iaquinta wins the belt with a win over Nurmagomedov, as he weighed in at 155.2, ok for a non-title fight, but one pair of underwear short of the strict title limit of 155. Serra isn’t fussing over the technicalities.

If you beat the man, you’re the man, whether you have the strap around your waist or not, said Serra. A lot of guys wouldn’t take this fight, or they would make some crazy demands. ‘Ragin Al is taking the fight against arguably the most dangerous 155-pounder on the planet. That alone makes me super proud. I wouldn’t be surprised if he shocks the world.