The Ultimate Fighter Live: Preview and Predictions for Second Round

The Ultimate Fighter: Live concluded its first round yesterday, which saw Team Faber run its team record to 5-3, effectively beating Team Cruz. Now, the second round begins, with fighters fighting to make the semifinals.

Both teams have their respective top picks still in the mix, and they are undoubtedly the favorites from here on out. Dana White already announced the first two matchups on last night's show, so we have an idea who will be fighting who.

Let's take a dive into this round and preview the possible outcomes.

Joe Proctor vs. James Vick

The first matchup announced via satellite by Dana White was between Joe Proctor of Team Faber and James Vick of Team Cruz.

James Vick advanced in the first in-house fight of the season. He hit a lucky knee on Daron Cruickshank, knocking him out and advancing Vick. Vick admitted that it was somewhat of an accident, but nevertheless he moved on.

That knockout win was a follow-up of his preliminary fight, in which he narrowly defeated heavy favorite Dakota Cochrane. Vick thwarted Cochrane's takedown attempts, winning a snoozer to get into the house (which wasn't his fault).

Joe Proctor looks to be one of the toughest guys in the house. After beating a tough fighter in Jordan Rinaldi in the preliminary fight by submission, Proctor drew Chris Tickle in the second round. From there, the Joe Lauzon student went on to win by submission again, punching his ticket into the second round.

This match sees a solid striker in Vick meet a submission specialist in Proctor. Vick is going to have about a five-inch height advantage, which will prove tough for Proctor to deal with. But, Proctor is a scrappy veteran and will find a takedown in the end.

Prediction: Joe Proctor def. James Vick via submission

Justin Lawrence vs. Michael Chiesa

The other matchup announced last night on the show was between Team Faber's Michael Chiesa and Team Cruz's Justin Lawrence.

Michael Chiesa has proven to be a grinder during his fights on the show, using a strong wrestling attack to control opponents. He also has submission skills, which are useful in ending his fights.

Chiesa won his preliminary fight via submission over Johnavan Vistante, earning his spot in the house. From there, he won a narrow fight (he lost a point in the first round) over Jeremy Larsen, which has brought him to his present spot.

Justin Lawrence looks to be the favorite this season, using devastating striking and solid takedown defense in dominating his fights. He trains with Blackhouse, which has shown in his beautiful strikes.

Lawrence won his first-round fight over scrappy veteran James Krause, knocking him into oblivion with brutal strikes. He then won his first house fight against Cristiano Marcello, hitting him with a vicious one-punch knockout.

This fight will be wrestler versus striker. Look for Chiesa to look for the relentless takedown, but Lawrence will have it scouted. From there, Lawrence will find his range and knock around the iron-chinned Chiesa.

Prediction: Justin Lawrence def. Michael Chiesa via late knockout or decision

Andy Ogle vs. Vinc Pichel*

This fight is just a guess by me, as this matchup makes the most sense in looking at the remaining four fighters. Team Cruz will have Vinc Pichel scrap with Team Faber's Andy Ogle.

Vinc Pichel is a dark horse this season, winning against two legitimate opponents. Pichel has proven well-rounded, but his specialty looks to be submissions.

His opening-round win came over a tough Cody Pfister, choking him out relatively quickly. He then waited patiently before finally getting a fight against John Cofer. He again utilized his submissions, choking out Cofer in the overtime round.

Andy Ogle looks to be the underdog of this season, as to me, he was an afterthought entering the house. Ogle has proven formidable though, earning his way into the second round.

To get into the house, Ogle won a unanimous decision over Branden Weafer. Then, in the final fight of the first round last night, Ogle beat respected veteran Mike Rio by submission, effectively punching his ticket to the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Vinc Pichel def. Andy Ogle via late submission or decision

Al Iaquinta vs. Chris Saunders*

In another bout that has not been announced, but it a pure guess of mine, teammates collide, as Team Faber sends in Al Iaquinta and Chris Saunders to fight one another.

Al Iaquinta was Team Faber's first pick, as Iaquinta is extremely well-rounded and seasoned. Training with Matt Serra and Ray Longo, Iaquinta boasts solid boxing and jiu-jitsu skills that rival those of most fighters in the house.

Iaquinta earned his way into the house by earning a decision over Jon Tuck in the first round. He then turned the season around for Team Faber by beating one of their studs in Myles Jury. With that win, Ianquinta has proven to be a top guy in the house.

Chris Saunders was the last pick in the entire season, but still finds himself in a position to finish in the top end of the show. Saunders is a tough customer with solid striking ability.

Saunders made it into the house by knocking off Chase Hackett by decision. He would go on to beat Team Cruz's second pick, Sam Sicilia, by decision, in what was an exciting fight and an upset in most people's eyes.

Prediction: Al Iaquinta def. Chris Saunders via decision