The Ultimate Fighter: Live Episode 6 Recap: Submission Advances Another Fighter

Another fighter was eliminated and one more advanced on the sixth episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

Team Faber was riding high after back-to-back wins in the two previous fights.  Once down 0-2, the competition was tied heading into this week’s match up with each team producing two quarterfinalists.

It was announced last week that Team Cruz’ Chris Tickle and Team Faber’s Joe Proctor would face off in this week’s live fight.  It was revealed this week that Tickle was intoxicated during last week’s fight and the fight announcement.

Mike Rio’s knee continues to give him issues, but you wouldn’t have known it watching him spar with Justin Lawrence during a Team Cruz workout.  Tempers flared as the two went hard at each other.

The fighters celebrated the Easter holiday by cooking turkey and creating a makeshift Slip ’n Slide in the backyard out of trash bags.

Tickle and Proctor prepared their game plans.  Tickle expected to keep the fight standing and win with strikes.  Proctor wanted to pick Tickle apart on the feet and mix in takedowns when he can.

Tickle showed up the weigh-ins with a slice of pizza and tipped the scales at a trim 153 pounds.  Proctor weighed in at 155 pounds.

Tickle came out aggressive at the start of the fight.  He landed clean shots and won the exchanges.  Proctor weathered the early storm and settled into his game plan.  He began to tie Tickle up in the clinch but wasn’t seeing a lot success from the clinch position.

In the closing minute of the round, Proctor secured a double leg takedown.  Tickle attempted to quickly get back to his feet but Proctor took his back.  It wasn’t long before Proctor applied a rear naked choke.  Tickle fought it off initially but was forced to eventually tap out.

The official time of the submission was at the 4:42 mark of the first round.

Proctor had nothing but praises for the outspoken Tickle following the fight.

“Tickle is tough.  He hits like a truck.  I know you guys don’t like him out there, but he’s a good guy.  He’s tough, so watch out for him,” said Proctor.

Proctor wasn’t surprised he finished with a submission.

“That’s my game.  Lauzon MMA.  I’m a jiu-jitsu guy.  I love to bang.  I love to take punches off the chin, but I did my job here,” he said.

Tickle was gracious in defeat and Coach Faber made note of it prior to announcing next week’s match up.

“He got in deep on me.  He took me down and I hurried to get up and he got my back man.  He’s tough as hell,” said Tickle following the loss.

Team Faber has strung together a three fight win streak and maintained matchmaking control.  Coach Faber called on John Cofer to face Team Cruz’ Vinc Pichel in next week’s live fight