Meet Friday’s Fighters on ‘The Ultimate Fighter LIVE’: Joe Proctor vs. Chris Tickle

Team Faber’s Proctor, Team Cruz’s Tickle fight on next episode

The first season of “The Ultimate Fighter LIVE” returns Friday at 10 p.m. Eastern with a new episode on the FX cable network.

Cocah Urijah Faber‘s team started the season down 2-0 to the opposition on the Dominick Cruz-coached squad. But last week, Faber lightweight Michael Chiesa picked up an emotional win over Jeremy Larsen to bring things back to even at two wins a piece.

On Friday, the season’s fifth opening-round fight takes place. On the live portion of last week’s episode, Faber kept control of the fight picks with Chiesa’s win and went with Joe Proctor, his fourth overall pick, to face Cruz’s seventh pick, Chris Tickle. The two fight on the live segment of Friday night’s episode for a chance to move into the quarterfinals. Already into the round of eight after wins the last four weeks are James Vick and Justin Lawrence from Team Cruz and Al Iaquinta and Chiesa from Team Faber.

Here’s a look at what Proctor and Tickle have to say ahead of their Friday fight.

Joe Proctor

Joe Proctor (8-1), Pembroke, Mass.
How did it feel when your name was called to fight Friday?
When my name was called on Friday, I was excited. I’ve been waiting four or five weeks to get in there and show everybody what I’ve been training for.

What have you been doing since then to prepare for the fight?
Since my name was called, I’ve just been taking it light by hitting a lot of mitts, working my strength and critiquing everything for a good game plan.

How has the support of the Team Faber coaching staff been?
The Team Faber coaching staff is unbelievable. They’re behind me 100 percent and constantly motivating me and constantly pushing me. They’ve got me ready for this fight and I can’t wait for it.

What do you think your strength is going into this fight?
I think my strength going into this fight is everything. I’m well-rounded. If it goes to the ground I’m good, and I’m more than happy to stand up, too. I can finish any way I feel like.

How’s life in the house?
Life in the house is hectic. As much as I love being here and having this great opportunity, I really can’t wait to get back home and see all my friends and my family.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?
The first thing I’m going to do when I leave the show is hug my girlfriend.

Chris Tickle

Chris Tickle (8-4), Bloomington, Ill.
How is everything going so far?
Training’s going great. Dom’s been busting our butts pretty hard every day. I’m happy and in good shape, so I’m ready to fight.

How did it feel when your name was called to fight Friday?
I was happy when Faber called me out. I get to shut his mouth and whoop some ass, so I’m ready to go.

What do you think about your opponent, Joe Proctor?
Proctor is a tough guy. I think he’s the best fighter on Team Faber. He’s well-rounded and we’ll see what he can do.

Do you think you’ve improved since joining the show?
Definitely. My cardio is up and I’ve learned a lot – I’m the best fighter I’ve ever been.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?
I’m going to go home and cuddle with my fiancée.