North Texas Fisticuffs MMA Rookie of the Year: Fort Worth’s James Vick

by Sean Malone of North Texas Fisticuffs

He's undefeated.

James Vick

As 2011 comes to an end, it's time to look back and recognize the outstanding achievements of some of our North Texas fighters. Over the next couple of days, we at North Texas Fisticuffs will roll out our annual award winners. This year's first category: MMA Rookie of the Year.

When you consider that Fort Worth’s James Vick turned pro in June, it's almost unfathomable how in in such a short time he has made himself a household name. The humble young fighter who pack TNT in his hands and feet and an ever improving ground game has blown through some pretty decent competition in the last six months to close out 2011 with an undefeated record of 4-0.

Training out of Phalanx MMA, Vick has quickly resonated with area fight fans behind his humble demeanor and knack for engaging in fan-friendly fighters. After becoming a staple locally thanks to his exploits in the XKO promotion, Vick recently traveled to Las Vegas to try out for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Word in the industry is that the UFC brass were pretty impressed with the young fighter. In what has been a banner year for MMA here in North Texas, James Vick truly shined as a fighter to keep you eye on in the coming years.