Zachary Hicks Hoping for a Victorious Homecoming at PFL 7
With the PFL playoffs in full swing this time of the year, several fighters will get the opportunity to showcase their skills on the national level. One of those fighters, who will be fighting with the hometown crowd behind him, is featherweight Zachary Hicks. Hicks will be seeking his 10th professional win of his young career and on the national stage as well. PFL 7: 2024 Playoffs can be seen live on ESPN+.
Finding MMA and Developing into A Dangerous Pro
Like many successful athletes, Hicks began his road to MMA at an early age. “I got into combat sports around 11 years old with Karate and did that for 2-3 years, then started wrestling in high school. I ended up wrestling in college for a year, before transitioning to MMA,” Hicks told MYMMANEWS. Hicks has not let up with his training, finding the best coaches and training partners available in the Nashville area.
“All of the coaches and training partners I’ve had throughout the years have helped me grow and develop,” said Hicks. “I feel we are in a great spot right now at the gym I train at (Nashville MMA.) We have a great head coach in UFC veteran Dustin Ortiz. We have guys fighting all over, getting major call ups, and continuously winning fights. I credit all the guys at Nashville MMA for my success. Our activity level is high, and we are getting guys on big shows. We also always have a lot of guests in to spar and roll, so we get plenty of good looks.”
Professional Run Leading to PFL Stage
After a five-year amateur career that saw him win 14 fights, Hicks turned pro in May 2014. Though he suffered a loss, he would come out on a roll to win his next four bouts, all by the finish. Throughout his professional career, Hicks has shown to be difficult to deal with on the mat with five of his career wins coming by submission, the same number as Coach Ortiz. Looking for that first PFL win could be the sweetest of all so far for Hicks.
“This is my second fight with the PFL. I didn’t get the win last time, so this win would be very sweet. Fighting in front of all my friends and family in Nashville will just be the cherry on top,” stated Hicks. What can fans expect to see from the rising star in front of the home crowd? “Pressure, cardio, and relentlessness for one to three rounds. If it ends in the first or goes all three, I’m going to be in it pushing the pace the whole time. Calculated pressure and patience,” stated Hicks.
