UFC matchmaker says Iaquinta to return 'soon'

Al Iaquinta could soon be getting back to work.

On Thursday, the fan-favorite lightweight and coaches Matt Serra and Ray Longo met with UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, who announced the recently retired Iaquinta will be strapping on his gloves again in the near future.

The Long Island native stepped away from the Octagon in favor of a career in real estate this past fall after attempts to renegotiate the terms of his contract went south. Iaquinta had been scheduled to return from an injury-marred, year-long layoff against Thiago Alves at UFC 205 in his native New York, but the promotion didn't heed his request for a bump in compensation, hence his absence from the historic card.

The "TUF 15" finalist - who still sits in the 15th spot in the promotion's lightweight rankings - hasn't fought since April 2015, when he extended his win streak to four with a razor-close split decision over Jorge Masvidal.

Here's to hoping Iaquinta's grievances are no more.

- With h/t to MMAjunkie