Al Iaquinta and New York's 5 Best UFC Fighters

On Saturday, Al Iaquinta will look to take another step forward in the lightweight division when he meets Jorge Masvidal on the UFC Fight Night 63 main card.

Although New York has not legalized pro MMA competition within its borders, the state is still home to some of the best in the sport. Iaquinta represents that elite group of fighters who presently call New York home or did so at some point in the past.

Unfortunately, a UFC lawsuit against the prohibition of MMA in New York was dismissed last month, according to MMA Junkie. However, there is more hope than ever that legislation will be changed now that former New York State Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver has resigned.

With New York constantly in MMA headlines as the UFC looks to take the show to Madison Square Garden, here are the five best fighters from the state who are currently under contract with the promotion.

5. Costas Philippou

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Costas Philippou was born in Cyprus, but he has trained in New York throughout his UFC career.

For a while, Philippou worked out with now-middleweight champion Chris Weidman at Serra-Longo Fight Team. However, as he worked his way up the 185-pound ladder and realized there was a chance that he and Weidman could both be vying for the belt, Philippou moved to Bellmore Kickboxing Academy, which is also on Long Island.

While Philippou's rise has slowed since leaving the Serra-Longo Fight Team, he remains a Top 15 contender in the tough middleweight division. Having beaten Tim Boetsch, Lorenz Larkin and others, Philippou has the ability to make a run at a title shot.

In May, Philippou could take a big step toward that goal when he meets Gegard Mousasi. A win over the former Strikeforce champion would be the biggest victory Philippou has had.

4. Al Iaquinta

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At 27 years old, Iaquinta is entering his prime MMA years, and it has shown in his recent performances. The TUF 15 contestant has honed his skills under Matt Serra and Ray Longo on Long Island and appears to be improving rapidly in all areas.

With three consecutive knockout wins, Iaquinta has been elevated into the Top 15 lightweight rankings. The recent surge has improved Iaquinta's UFC record to a solid 6-2.

Now a contender, Iaquinta has big bouts coming his way. Should he beat former Strikeforce title challenger Masvidal on Saturday, Iaquinta could be within a win or two of a shot at the lightweight championship.

3. Dennis Bermudez

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Because he doesn't train with the Serra-Longo Fight Team, the premier MMA camp in New York, Dennis Bermudez's whereabouts have not been discussed as much as the others on this list. However, The Menace was born in Saugerties, N.Y. and trains at Long Island MMA currently.

After making it to the finals on TUF 14, Bermudez was defeated by Diego Brandao. However, Bermudez has gone on to realize more success inside the Octagon than Brandao. 

Following that loss, Bermudez won seven in a row to become a contender in the featherweight division. It wasn't until Bermudez ran into former title challenger Ricardo Lamas that his winning streak came to an end.

In July, Bermudez will look to start up another streak against Jeremy Stephens. If he beats Lil' Heathen, Bermudez should be right back in the hunt for a shot at the 145-pound belt.

2. Chris Weidman

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The best fighter at Serra-Longo Fight Team, Chris Weidman has become the face of New York MMA. He's not the best competitor to hail from the state, though.

An All American wrestler, Weidman joined the UFC roster without much experience, but he had huge potential. With wins in his first five trips to the Octagon, Weidman had done enough to earn a shot at middleweight champion and MMA legend Anderson Silva.

More than usual, Silva toyed with Weidman and showboated until his came back to bite him. Weidman charged forward in the second round and caught The Spider with his hands down for a knockout win to capture the 185-pound championship.

Weidman has since defeated Silva again and defended his belt against Lyoto Machida. In May, Weidman will look to make it three title defenses in a row against Vitor Belfort, who has become his biggest rival.

1. Jon Jones

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While he now trains at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., Jon Jones was born in New York.

Jones came into the UFC with a 6-0 record. While he had a high ceiling, not many could have predicted that they were about to see one of the best ever begin his UFC career in 2008.

Aside from an unfortunate disqualification loss to Matt Hamill, Jones has gone undefeated inside the Octagon. He's beaten numerous former UFC champions and is now only two wins short of Anderson Silva's UFC record for consecutive title defenses.

When all is said and done, there is a very good chance that Jones will go down as the best ever.