Vick Drops Semifinal Bout to Michael Chiesa on TUF Live

Fort Worth’s James Vick’s incredible run in this season’s The Ultimate Fighter Live has been remarkable.  The Phalanx MMA/Genesis Jiu-Jitsu fighter had already established himself as a can’t-miss prospect here in North Texas but it was Vick’s exploits on the popular UFC reality show that has propelled him to a level of national fame despite only having turned pro last year.

Unfortunately, Vick’s chance at the coveted six-figure UFC contract was upended by a loss to wrestler Michael Chiesa in their semifinal bout this past Friday.  Adding to the bitterness of the defeat was the fact that Vick was firmly in control of the fight until he apparently gassed out in the second round.

“There’s no doubt that Vick won that first round but I think the biggest mistake he made was going for that submission at the end of it,” explained UFC President Dana White.  “I think he should have tried to finish it. He’s a young, tough, bright kid and has a big future in front of him. Chiesa was doing a lot of things to try and make stuff happen in the second round and that’s what he did.”

While Vick may have missed out on a shot of winning this season’s TUF, it is evident that the scrappy Fort Worth native has impressed the UFC brass.  Unfortunately Vick, who was scheduled to fight at this Saturday’s The Ultimate Fighter Finale, will have to wait a little bit longer to make his return to the UFC Octagon as the Nevada State Athletic Commission has put Vick on medical suspension following his loss to Chiesa.  It’s a shame that Vick will not get to partake in the series finale but there is a sliver lining as the UFC will have Vick in action sooner than later.

HELP VICK WIN

This season the Ultimate Fighter is giving fight fans the opportunity to vote for this season’s best Knockout, Submission, and Fight.  Go to www.ultimatefighter.com to vote for James Vick’s knockout of Daron Cruickshank for KO of the Season.  The winner will get a $25,000 bonus from the UFC.