Last Saturday, October 17, Nelson fighter Alex Tzinavos defeated former King in the Ring champion Carlos Hicks in an MMA bout which headlined Knees of Fury 81 in Hamilton.

Tzinavos weathered an early storm from Hicks, securing the bodylock and taking him down against the ropes. Hicks' fell awkwardly, injuring his arm in the process. The fight was called off, with a TKO victory for Tzinavos.

The win is the biggest of Tzinavos' fight career so far, as Carlos Hicks is a oft-touted prospect and a former King in the Ring 75kg champion. Fight News asked Alex a couple of questions after his landmark victory.

Hi Alex. Congratulations on the win. What happened in the fight?
"I took him down with his arm trapped behind his back and I believe his elbow dislocated. I punched him once and he yelled stop and the referee ended it.

"He didn't do much to stop the takedown other than grab the ropes and keep his base low."

Alex secures the body lock to take down Hicks (Photo: Knees of Fury Facebook).

On Carlos Hicks' Facebook he said he hurt you early. Any comment on that?
"He landed a left hook and kicked my leg out while I was head kicking him but he didn't hurt me.

"Someone else said it looked like I was stunned, but nah I was fine. I just shot in right after. It was a hard shot I guess but it didn't land on the jaw so it wasn't going to put me out."

Thanks Alex. All the best against Grant on October 30.

Alex Tzinavos fights again on Friday, October 30, in the main event of Domination Fight Series, against Grant Toa Toa. The fight will be for the IKBF 74kg South Island MMA title.

Domination Fight Series 7 will take place at the Woolston Working Men's Club in Christchurch. If you’re in Christchurch, get your tickets fast before they sell out! They are available from Elite Fight Complex on Leeds Street in the CBD, or from Impala Tattoo Studio at 491 Papanui Road.

Tickets are selling quick, but for those who can't make the trip, the event will be live streaming on Fight News for a low PPV cost of $9.95.