May 12, 2012 – It was another proud night for North Texas last night as Fort Worth-based fighter James Vick (Phalanx MMA) took advantage of his chance to advance versus Pembroke, Massachusetts native Joe Proctor The two took part in the first quarterfinal bout with the winner looking to get one step closer to the finals and the chance to be named the first LIVE season winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
In the end, it was Vick’s extensive background training as a boxer with Durwyn Lamb and crew that enabled him to secure the victory. He used his length and reach advantage to keep Proctor at the end of his punches while avoiding any type of protracted battle on the ground. He was able to win the bout with a 20-18 score on the judges’ scorecards but also won much more in the form of respect from this season’s coaches and competitors alike – including many who went on record as saying he had the requisite raw talent, heart, and stick-to-itiveness to make it to the finals this season.
“That was the biggest fight of my life and I’m happy that I could come out on top,” James said at the conclusion of the bout. “Joe’s a very tough guy. I was surprised he stood up to those punches and I wish him the best. As for me, I’m now one step closer to achieving my dream.”
Elsewhere on this episode, highly-lauded #1 pick and Anderson Silva teammate Justin Lawrence took on the bearded wrestler, Michael Chiesa.
The two battled through the first two rounds and went into the pivotal “sudden victory” third round needing to score a win in the frame to secure the victory. Chiesa came out on top for the surpise victory as he too moved on to the semi-final round.
Two more quarterfinals remain to decide the next round with Chris Saunders taking on Vinc Pichel and Al Iaquinta matching up against Andy Ogle on next week’s episode.