Al Iaquinta to undergo knee surgery, hopes to return in six months

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 08: Al Iaquinta of the United States celebrates after his TKO victory over Ross Pearson of England in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Allphones Arena on November 8, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

UFC contender Al Iaquinta's doctor has told him that he needs surgery after discovering the "Raging" lightweight has very little cartilage left in his injured knee.

As such, surgeons will attempt to transfer cartilage from a cadaver to Iaquinta's knee to replace the missing material. If surgery and recovery go well, Iaquinta tells UFC Tonight that he hopes to get back into the cage and compete in six months.

The 28-year-old is on one of the most impressive streaks in the lightweight division, at present. He has won his last four fights, with three wins coming by way of TKO.

The New Yorker expects to have the surgery within the next two weeks or so. We'll keep you apprised of updates as they occur, and we certainly wish Iaquinta a complete and speedy recovery.