Matchups Post TUF Live Finale

Julien Solomita | Staff Writer/Journalist

The Ultimate Fighter Live has produced yet another batch of young talent for their lightweight division. Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz’s warriors performed beautifully until the very end, and Friday’s finale left the division with certain exciting implications. There are a number of big matchups at 155 pounds awaiting Joe Silva’s call very soon. A few are indicated here.

Danny Castillo vs. Michael Chiesa:

 Michael Chiesa recently completed his victorious Ultimate Fighter run, winning the show during an emotionally trying time. The Maverick was faced with daunting adversity and stared it down, finishing the three toughest fighters in the house. But he must now move on. A proven WEC and UFC veteran like Danny Castillo would provide a serious indication of where Chiesa is headed after his Iaquinta victory. Castillo outlasts his opponents and tends to win grinding decisions; however, because he lacks finishing ability, Chiesa’s ability to weather a storm and end fights with his crafty grappling would make him a formidable opponent for the Alpha Male standout. The TUF winner’s skills and heart would be tested once more, and another finish could stop Castillo’s winning streak at three.

TJ Grant vs. Joe Proctor:

 Finishing the season with a win at the finale, Proctor cemented his status as a top contender in this season’s lightweight group. He clearly has the striking to compete with the top fighters in his division, and also excels on the ground with his Lauzon style jiu jitsu. TJ Grant is riding a two-fight win streak, and as an eight time UFC veteran, the Canadian has shown incredible durability. It is always interesting to see how the TUF fighters fare against proven Zuffa talent, and a win over Grant will be a big step up in the division for Proctor.

Jamie Varner vs. Justin Lawrence:

 Varner’s long awaited return to the octagon was quite exciting as the former WEC champ pulled off a massive upset in knocking Edson Barboza out with authority. With that victory, Varner showed just how well he could neutralize a flashy yet lethal kickboxer of Barboza’s status. In Justin Lawrence, he would be faced with a similar task. Lawrence, although coming up short in his quest to become the next Ultimate Fighter, commanded attention the moment he set foot inside the UFC training center. His wildly powerful standup game makes for a visceral viewing experience, especially after establishing his UFC presence by putting John Cofer to sleep with a sneaky right foot to his grill.

Sam Sicilia vs. Jeremy Stephens:

  Although he is amidst a tough losing streak, Jeremy Stephens always presents a difficult fight. Lil Heathen loves to stand, but isn’t afraid to wrestle to achieve superior positioning in a fight. Sicilia has awesome potential and could very well become a premier striker, but he, like the rest of TUF’s cast, needs to face real UFC opposition before we evaluate his status as a top fighter. Sicilia has great power in his hands, and is also a very tough opponent to finish. These two lightweights would duke it out until one of them is forced to give up, which is very unlikely. Also, Stephens most definitely will deem Sicilia unworthy of a fight with him, and those extra emotions could provide some fun drama.

Daron Cruickshank vs. Tony Ferguson:

 Tony Ferguson is the prime example of an Ultimate Fighter alum continuing to improve long after his time in the house. After being crowned the winner of season 13, ‘El Cucuy’ proceeded to rack up a few big wins over Aaron Riley and Yves Edwards before meeting his match against a sharp Michael Johnson. Ferguson has a wrestling background, but has become a full-fledged striking machine. Cruickshank has some pretty crisp kickboxing of his own, and redeemed his questionable chin from the Vick knockout in the finale when he went three tough rounds with striker, Chris Tickle. Ferguson has the reach to win this fight, but he hasn’t seen the precision of a guy like Cruickshank yet.

TUF Live stars headed to big futures

Julien Solomita | Staff Writer/Journalist

Joe Proctor finishes off Chris Tickle

This most recent season of the Ultimate Fighter was a big deal. Hosted by FX, the new live format changed the scope of the entire franchise.  These fighters stayed in the house longer than in any previous season. More importantly, they were some of the most talented and well rounded athletes who have ever entered the UFC training center. With almost the entire cast fighting on tonight’s finale, there are a few contestants who may as well be awarded the contract because they are looking at a lucrative future career in the UFC. Justin Lawrence, Joe Proctor and Al Iaquinta all have big time potential that I believe will allow them to thrive under the Zuffa banner. Here’s why:

Justin Lawrence:

  This is an obvious choice. The viciously strong striker was the first pick of the competition and has even been bumped to the main card of tonight’s event, likely due to his fighting style being in such high demand with the fans. Lawrence wrecked James Krause in the preliminary fight to get into the house, and then dismantled grappling expert Cristiano Marcello. It was the ground game and a struggle to stay standing that seemed to slow Lawrence down, but that is just a blemish in the lightweight prospect’s game. The kid is 22 years old and has the power and stand up game beyond his years. His footwork epitomizes athleticism, and makes standing in front of him a deadly option. Working on advancing his ground game, especially with all of the Brazilians at Black House where Lawrence trains, should be no issue for the young gun who will soon be a powerhouse at either 155 or perhaps in the featherweight division.

Prediction: Against John Cofer, Lawrence should be extra focused on staying standing, and will finish his fellow housemate in the first round with a TKO stoppage.

Joe Proctor:

  When training under the tutelage of someone as accomplished as Joe Lauzon, it’s not much of a surprise to see Joe Proctor as a top prospect this season. From his entry to the house where he submitted Jordan Rinaldi, to swiftly choking out Chris Tickle, the Boston kid has proven his durability and patience in getting to his comfort zone in his fights. It isn’t every season where fighters like Proctor show such poise at that age. Even though Proctor was out struck by the lengthy James Vick, I have a good feeling that he learned from that fight, and will continue to improve his game. He is great at putting himself in advantageous positions against fighters with different styles, and has an exciting career in the octagon to look forward to.

Prediction: Proctor by 2^nd round submission over Jeremy Larsen

Al Iaquinta:

  In every single fight this season, Al Iaquinta has absolutely brought it. It is great to see a fighter with his abilities, who can simply plow through opponents with a relentless and pinpointed attack. This Matt Serra fighter showed over and over again that whether on the mat or with his hands, he is able to outwork his opponent and wear them down. In addition, Iaquinta landed the most brutal standing elbow that put down Andy Ogle. This sharp and powerful strike was reminiscent of how Jon Jones used his elbows to daze Rashad Evans on the feet. His approach to every fight is a lot like Rory MacDonald, in that both guys make the statement that they will not be stopped solely by their determination manifesting physically in the cage. He has a tested chin, powerful hands, athleticism and cardio on his side. To beat him, a takedown and submission specialist would have to grind out a decision, but even in that situation, there is no guarantee that Iaquinta would go down. After he wins the show, he will go on to give some upper echelon lightweights a run for their money, and possibly get a peak at UFC gold.

Prediction: Michael Chiesa has heart, but his next opponent won’t fold like his previous ones did. Iaquinta via Unanimous Decision