PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Egor Kuznetsov (ranked 1559 p4p, 2443 weight class) and Clive Hicks (ranked 59 p4p, 99 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kuznetsov
vs
Hicks

183 cm
25
202
6 - 1 - 0

170 cm
25
170
3 - 2 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Furnace Performance 🔥
Silverguard Outfitters 🛡

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Egor Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Clive Hicks!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Hicks takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
We've been told by Kuznetsov's head coaches at Deathsquad that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Hicks walks into a stiff left hand from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov punishes Hicks's body with a nice straight punch.
Hicks defending well as Kuznetsov loads up on a big left hand.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab from Hicks.
Nice uppercut there from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hicks moves away.
Hicks tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hicks misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznetsov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hicks.
Kuznetsov throwing a counter right hand but Hicks manages to avoid it.
Hicks throws a body shot but no joy.
Hicks misses with a looping left.
Kuznetsov lands with a straight right. Hicks didn't see that one coming.
Hicks misses with an uppercut
letting Kuznetsov counter with a right hand.
Hicks looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.

Kuznetsov tries to keep at a distance but Hicks has taken the fight into the clinch.
Hicks goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kuznetsov prevents it.
Hicks keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kuznetsov's efforts to push away.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hicks.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Hicks.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Hicks.
Hicks is trying to maintain a safe position but Kuznetsov gets an underhook and turns Hicks into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Hicks keeps control of Kuznetsov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Hicks wants to stall.
Hicks tries to work over Kuznetsov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hicks scores with a nice hook to the head.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch.
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Hicks has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kuznetsov finds it's way round the side to connect with Hicks's head.
Hicks uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetsov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hicks catches Kuznetsov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Hicks takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

Hicks pushes Kuznetsov up against the cage in a clinch.
Kuznetsov wants to break free but Hicks has control.
A right hook to the body lands for Hicks.
Kuznetsov can't break the clinch.
Hicks tries to score a body lock takedown but Kuznetsov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Egor Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Clive Hicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to striking at distance but Hicks won't allow it.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hicks takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kuznetsov is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kuznetsov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hicks misses with a body shot.
It looked like Kuznetsov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hicks.
Hicks slips under a jab.
Egor Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A jab from Hicks finds it's way through Kuznetsov's defenses.
Kuznetsov throws a looping overhand right but Hicks ducks down to avoid it.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Hicks.
Hicks takes one on the button.
Kuznetsov connects with a crisp jab.
Hicks tries to clinch there but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hicks throws out a powerful jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hicks wants to clinch up but Kuznetsov keeps it at a distance.
It looked like Kuznetsov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov connects with a crisp jab.
Hicks swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hicks tries to clinch there but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kuznetsov slips a jab from Hicks.
Hicks checks a low kick from Kuznetsov.
Hicks throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Egor Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznetsov defending well as Hicks loads up on a big left hand.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut.
Hicks wants to counter the offense by Kuznetsov and move into the clinch position.
Kuznetsov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Hicks throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hicks avoids the body shot from Kuznetsov.
Hicks throws an off balance right hand
and Kuznetsov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Egor Kuznetsov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hicks misses the shot to the body.
Hicks gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Egor Kuznetsov is winning the standup battle so far.
Hicks throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hicks.
Kuznetsov sets himself, and Hicks steps forward looking for the clinch! Kuznetsov avoids it this time.
Hicks is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hicks.
Kuznetsov throws a body punch but Hicks moves out of range.
Kuznetsov moves out of range as Hicks strikes.
A left and a right from Kuznetsov both land. Nice combination.
Hicks swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.
And Hicks tries to counter it with a takedown but Kuznetsov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hicks slips a straight right by Kuznetsov.
Hicks fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hicks.
Hicks changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

Hicks gets a double leg takedown into Kuznetsov's guard.
Hicks must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hicks working some strikes from top position.
Kuznetsov is looking to stand up but Hicks isn't so interested in that idea.

Kuznetsov is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hicks creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hicks goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Hicks.
Hicks throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

Kuznetsov breaks from the clinch.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Hicks blocks it.
Hicks with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Hicks with a hook.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hicks slips under a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov cracks Hicks with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Good shot there by Hicks.
Kuznetsov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hicks sees it coming and avoids it easily.
And Hicks tries to counter it with a takedown but Kuznetsov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hicks dodges the punch combination from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Hicks is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Hicks looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
A jab from Hicks does it's job there.
Hicks lands a nice hook to Kuznetsov's body. Kuznetsov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov throws out a loose jab but Hicks uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Hicks misses.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Hicks.
Kuznetsov throws a looping overhand right but Hicks ducks down to avoid it.
Hicks misses with a shot to the body
and Kuznetsov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hicks feints the counter takedown.
Kuznetsov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Hicks moved out of range nicely.
Hicks bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hicks slips under a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Hicks ducked under it nicely.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Hicks avoids the punch easily.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Kuznetsov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

Hicks clinches up against the cage.

Kuznetsov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Hicks rushes Kuznetsov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Hicks lands a body shot in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hicks struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznetsov controls his hands.
Hicks doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Hicks.

Hicks has Kuznetsov pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Hicks pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Kuznetsov tumbling to the mat - Hicks dives into Kuznetsov's guard.
Kuznetsov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hicks with a nice head shot there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Egor Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Hicks throws a hook but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov lands a nice shot that snaps Hicks's head back.
Hicks just misses with a punch to the body.
Hicks misses with a wild body shot.
Hicks swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Hicks moved out of range.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
And Hicks tries to counter it with a takedown but Kuznetsov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Kuznetsov misses with a few strikes there.
Hicks tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hicks dives in and grabs Kuznetsov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov pushes down on Hicks's head and hops out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hicks swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov with a hook.
Hicks throws a body shot but no joy.
Hicks misses with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hicks on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hicks ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
And Hicks tries to counter it with a takedown but Kuznetsov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hicks bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hicks can do to turn this around?
Hicks misses with a right hand
and Kuznetsov counters with a left and a right that stings Hicks.
Donk. Hicks catches Kuznetsov right on the button with a cross.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Jab by Hicks.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hicks lands a jab to Kuznetsov's midsection.
Kuznetsov slips a straight right by Hicks.
A little feinted left hand from Kuznetsov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kuznetsov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kuznetsov ducks right into an uppercut from Hicks.
Clive Hicks has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hicks moves away.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
Hicks throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov throwing a counter right hand but Hicks manages to avoid it.
Hicks on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Hicks misses the shot to the body.
Hicks takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kuznetsov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Hicks lands a slapping body shot.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Hicks moves away and avoids it.
Jab by Hicks.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Hicks moves out of range.
Hicks closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov is looking to counter punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hicks misses with a looping left.
Hicks sizes up Kuznetsov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kuznetsov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kuznetsov.
Hicks tests Kuznetsov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hicks tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Hicks throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Hicks swings away with a body shot that misses
and Kuznetsov counters with a stiff right hand.
Hicks is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hicks dives in for a single leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Egor Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Egor Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Clive Hicks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hicks.
Hicks pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kuznetsov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hicks has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kuznetsov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hicks.
Hicks walks into a stiff left hand from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hicks bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hicks misses with an uppercut
enabling Kuznetsov to counter with a crisp jab.
Hicks misses with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hicks manages to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Egor Kuznetsov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kuznetsov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Egor Kuznetsov!
In his post fight interview, Egor Kuznetsov started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.