This weeks episode revolved mostly around the upcoming fight between Joe Proctor and Chris Tickle. If you’ve been watching you knew this episode was going to be an interesting one, mostly because of all the controversy around Chris Tickle. The drama started up very quickly as it became quite clear that Tickle was drunk during the Chiesa, Larsen fight. It was obvious to everyone on both teams the state he was in. Iaquinta went on to comment to Proctor and some other teammates that “Tickle was hammered at the fight tonight, when he wakes up in the morning and finds out he’s going to fight Proctor he’s going to shit himself.”
In the opposite locker room Coach Cruz was all ready frustrated with Team Faber now winning two fights in a row, commenting how much loosing “sucks”. Adding fuel to the fire he walked into Chris Tickle joking about his upcoming fight with Proctor. Tickle went on to say “ I’m going to beat his ass, I’ll sleep this fool in about two minutes.” This got Cruz very frustrated and he was sure to let Tickle know about it. After being scolded by Cruz, Tickle took him outside and asked him to really push him this week, especially with cardio. Cruz laughed off Tickles “advice” since that’s what he’s been doing for the passed month anyway. Tickles lackluster attitude carries back at the house and he continues to fool around and even each corn dogs and relax in the hot tub. Later on in the show he weighs in eating a slice of pizza.
We got to see a very interesting exchange between Justin Lawrence and Mike Rio. A conversation between the two about Rio’s injuries and age left Rio rubbed the wrong way about Lawrence’s intensity at the wrong times and his general attitude. The two carried the conversation into practice where Rio got angry with Lawrence for throwing a heel kick while sparring. The two proceeded to go at it back and fourth, with Rio even getting the upper hand at some points against Justin. This left Justin frustrated after practice which is exactly what Cruz was looking to do in order to push him.
We learn there are a few similarities between Proctor and Tickle’s backgrounds. Both came from a tough upbringing and had a difficult family life. Proctor had a father in jail and was taken in by his grandparents at a young age. Tickle was in a lot of trouble himself when he was younger being in and out of jail. The major difference between the two is training. Where Proctor trains with Joe Lauzon, Chris Tickle is all self taught. He learned most of his training from watching you-tube videos, and never had a a real coach before. Faber feels that Proctor is a “quiet dude with a big heavy punch. He’s one of the toughest guys on the show and very steady. Tickle is like a time bomb.”
Coach Cruz went on to talk about Tickle’s attitude as well. He discussed how Tickle is “ hit or miss depending on what’s going on in his brain. He’s a beast in the first round but he has to keep the energy going.” He needed to beware of the great jiu-jitsu that Proctor brings to the table.
The fight went back and fourth in the beginning of the round. A few good exchanges of punches and kicks by both fighters, both looked comfortable on their feet. Tickle defends take down attempts from Proctor early on in the round. After a few more exchanges between the two Proctor shoots in again this time taking Tickle down. He takes his back and works for a rear naked choke. Although Tickle temporarily gets back on his feet, Proctor holds on and pulls him back down to the ground, forcing Tickle to tap seconds later.
Another win for Team Faber who now takes a 3-2 lead in the competition. With that win Faber has control again and chooses John Cofer to fight Vinc Pichel. Be sure to watch what should be a great fight next Friday night on FX. Check back here for updates and interviews this week, and contact me about getting your Iaquinta Nation T shirt.
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 