PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ash Campbell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Assange (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Campbell comes to the cage accompanied by Sun Poison and Skin Cancer. Assange has chosen Eddie Van Halen - Eruption as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Campbell
vs
Assange

173 cm
27
156 lbs
14 - 6 - 1

176 cm
22
155 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI
SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ash Campbell!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, James Assange!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Luis Engracia and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice shot by Assange.
Campbell fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Assange manages to avoid it.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Campbell.

Assange moves into the clinch.
Campbell drops down looking for an ankle pick but Assange pulls his leg out and moves away.
Nice shot by Assange.
The fight stays on the outside here - Assange looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Assange throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Campbell looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Campbell won't allow Assange to sweep him here.

Assange is looking for a triangle but Campbell pushes his legs off easily.
Assange utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Campbell has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Assange has his foot on Campbell's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Campbell works his way back into a safe position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Campbell is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Assange tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Campbell throwing strikes but missing.
Campbell preventing the sweep.
Assange has momentary wrist control but Campbell slips an elbow through the middle.
Assange controls Campbell momentarily but Campbell frees himself.
Campbell lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Assange looking for a sweep. Not yet Assange, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Campbell connects with a couple of short punches.
Campbell scoring with some ground and pound.
Campbell loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Assange wants to stand up but Campbell is controlling him.
Campbell distracts Assange with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Assange working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Campbell doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Campbell manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Campbell postures up.
Assange is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Campbell is controlling him.
Assange has momentary wrist control but Campbell slips an elbow through the middle.
Campbell working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Assange's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Campbell throws a big elbow that misses.

Campbell is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Assange is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Assange has escaped and now he's on top!
Assange throwing strikes but missing.
Campbell has a closed guard, preventing Assange from standing up.

Campbell had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Assange defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Assange in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Assange trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Campbell looking for a guillotine here but Assange defends easily.
Assange postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Assange throws a big right hand that misses.
Assange throwing strikes but missing.
Campbell looking to control.
Campbell utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Campbell is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Assange is aware though and is defending well.
Assange pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Campbell is keeping the position for now.
Assange advances to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Assange prevents Campbell from improving his position.
Campbell is trying to control but can't.
Assange missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Campbell actively working from the bottom here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Assange sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Campbell defending well though.
Campbell missing with punches from the bottom.
Campbell is looking to improve his position.
Campbell trying to control here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Assange has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Assange working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Ash Campbell will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Campbell misses with a takedown attempt - Assange sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Campbell takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Assange pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Assange is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Assange lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Assange lands a lovely overhand right.
Assange feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Campbells jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Assange is looking to clinch but Campbell is avoiding it.
Campbell lands a nice shot to the body.
Campbell fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Assange throws an overhand right that lands on Campbell's shoulder, as Campbell tries to avoid the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Assange lands a jab to Campbell's midsection.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Campbell lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Assange has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Assange and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
A slapping leg kick lands for Campbell.
Campbell is trying hard to land a takedown here. Assange sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ash Campbell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Campbell doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Assange changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Assange swings and misses with a hook to the body.
James Assange seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Assange listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Assange scores with a jab. Campbell acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Assange misses with a wild body shot.
Assange is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Campbell.
Campbell bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Campbell falls off balance throwing a combination
and Assange counters with a stiff right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Assange swats away the attempt to clinch by Campbell.
James Assange seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Assange works Campbell's body with a nice hook.
Campbell scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Assange misses with a wild combination.
Assange tries to close the distance and clinch but Campbell swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Campbell is trying hard to land a takedown here. Assange sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Campbell on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Campbell tries to clinch but Assange is having none of it.
Assange fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Campbell looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Assange slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Assange tries to clinch up but Campbell circles away and keeps his distance.

Assange moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Campbell has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Assange after a bit of a struggle.
Assange tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Assange back against the cage.
Assange misses with a hook to the ribs.
Assange softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Assange tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Campbell.
Assange working aggressively here.
Assange scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Campbell blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Assange lands a shot to the body.
Campbell makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Assange.
Assange has a couple of punches blocked by Campbell.
Assange tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Campbell's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Campbell works on Assange's body with a couple of short punches.
Assange swings wildly with an uppercut but Campbell uses good head movement to avoid it.
Assange working aggressively here.
Campbell is looking to take this one to the mat.
Campbell can't get the takedown.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Assange lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Campbell works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Good body shot from Assange.
Campbell is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Assange gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Assange lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Campbell.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Assange lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Assange misses with a short punch on the inside.
Assange scores with a shoulder strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Assange showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Campbell's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Assange connects with a body shot that sends Campbell's belly button to the back.
Campbell takes one to the side of the head.
Assange cracks Campbell with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Campbell has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Assange finds it's way round the side to connect with Campbell's head.
Campbell shoots in but Assange avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Campbell tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Assange leaves Campbell with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Assange wants to clinch.
Assange lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice jab there from Assange.
Assange misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Assange throws a big shot that misses.
Assange waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Campbell.
Assange swings for the body but Campbell moves out of range.
Campbell drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Campbell tries for a takedown but Assange sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ash Campbell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Campbell moves forwards but Assange connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Assange looks to score with a jab to the body but Campbell is just out of range.
Nice jab there from Assange.

Assange clinches.
Campbell tries to score a body lock takedown but Assange shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Campbell lands a body shot in the clinch.
Campbell is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Assange is defending well.
Assange working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A nice right hand lands inside from Assange.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Campbell.
Assange misses with a punch to the body.
Campbell lands a left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Assange digs a right hand into Campbell's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Campbell's gas tank.
Assange lands a shot to the body.
Assange tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Assange is leaning against Campbell and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Assange lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Assange lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Assange pushes Campbell back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Assange scores with a shot to the side of Campbell's head.
Campbell blocks a body shot from Assange.
Assange goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Campbell wants a takedown but no success here.
Assange scores with a nice hook to the head.
Assange tries to work over Campbell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Assange tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Assange back against the cage.
Assange blocks an uppercut.
Assange lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Assange misses with some punches.
A right hook to the body lands for Assange.
Assange fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Assange lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Campbell.
Assange lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Campbell backwards.
Assange throws a punch but it's blocked by Campbell.
Assange scores with a hook to the body.
Campbell prevents a body shot from Assange.
Assange misses with some punches.
Assange working aggressively here.
Assange works on Campbell's body with a couple of short punches.
Assange is working Campbell over against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Assange creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Campbell prevents a body shot from Assange.
Assange tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Assange back against the cage.
Assange lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Campbell or not.
Assange scores with a shot to the side of Campbell's head.
Assange working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Assange tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
Assange working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Assange swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A right hook to the body lands for Assange.
Campbell blocks an uppercut.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Assange lands a shoulder strike.
Campbell tries to circle away but Assange has him pinned against the cage.
Assange tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Campbell wants a takedown but no success here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Assange really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Campbell takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Assange lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Assange.
Assange scores with a nice strike.
The fighters circle momentarily. Assange darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Campbell is rocked!
Assange moves into range and connects with a jab.
Oh Campbell is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Campbell throws a hook but Assange blocks it.
Assange wants to clinch up but Campbell keeps it at a distance.
Campbell seems to have got his legs back now.
Assange misses the jab.
Assange throws out a powerful jab.
Assange takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Campbell dodges the punch combination from Assange.
Assange stalks Campbell and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Campbell's face. Campbell staggers backwards, shaken.
Nice uppercut lands for Assange. That snapped Campbell's head back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Assange looks to land a combination but Campbell avoids it well.
Campbell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Assange is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Nice takedown defense from Assange. No joy for Campbell on that attempt.
Assange misses with a looping right.
Assange ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Assange connects with a right hand. Campbell shakes it off.
Assange slips a jab from Campbell.
Assange ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

Assange closes the distance and pushes Campbell back into the cage.
Assange misses with a punch to the body.
Assange misses with the head strike.
Assange misses with a punch to the body.
Assange throws a punch but it's blocked by Campbell.
Assange tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Campbell's elbow.
Assange has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Assange tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
A head punch on the inside from Assange fails to land.
Assange is pressed up against the cage. Campbell has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Assange down to the mat. Assange avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Campbell looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

Assange gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Assange scores with a shoulder strike.

Campbell breaks from the clinch.
Campbell avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Assange swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Assange scores with a shot to the body.

Campbell closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Campbell lands in his opponent's guard.

Campbell is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Assange is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Campbell is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Assange wants to sweep but no luck.

Assange working for a triangle but Campbell defends it easily.
Campbell lands a couple of digs.
Assange is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Campbell cracks Assange with a solid left hand.
Campbell trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Campbell landing some decent shots from guard.
Ash Campbell overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Assange keeping full guard, as Campbell tries to pass.

Assange is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Campbell defends well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Campbell with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Campbell in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Campbell content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Assange looking for a guillotine here but Campbell defends easily.

Assange is looking for a triangle but Campbell pushes his legs off easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Campbell postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Campbell with a nice head shot there.
Campbell working some strikes from top position.
Campbell landing with the ground and pound.
Assange looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Assange dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Assange throws a shot from downtown. Campbell moves away and avoids it.
Assange tests Campbell's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Assange with a nice cross.

Campbell manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Assange on his heels. He'll look to pass Assange's guard now, I'm sure.

Assange is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Campbell lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Campbell works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Campbell is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Assange looking for submissions off his back.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

Campbell is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Assange doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Campbell.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Campbell lands with a punch from half guard.
Assange works his way to full guard. Good work.
Assange has momentary wrist control but Campbell slips an elbow through the middle.
Assange is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Campbell throws a big elbow that misses.
Campbell distracts Assange with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Campbell postures up.
Campbell is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Assange looking for a guillotine here but Campbell defends easily.
Campbell sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Assange's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Assange on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Campbell is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Assange moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Campbell throws an elbow that misses. Assange uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Campbell's guard. Nice move by Assange!
Campbell bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Assange's guard.
Assange is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Campbell throwing strikes from guard but Assange blocks nicely.
Campbell throws a big elbow that misses.
James Assange is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Campbell scoring with some ground and pound.
Assange trying to control the position.
Campbell throws a big right hand that misses.

Campbell is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Campbell passes Assange's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Assange moves into full guard.
Assange has Campbell pulled in close to control his posture.
Campbell won't allow Assange to sweep him here.
Campbell with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Campbell throwing strikes but missing.
Assange is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Ash Campbell has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Campbell working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Campbell's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Campbell trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Assange had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Campbell defends it easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Campbell is working Assange over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Campbell throws a big right hand that misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Assange is on top in guard.
Assange's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Campbell escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Assange gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ash Campbell showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Assange has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 47:48
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 47:48
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Assange!
James Assange is the new featherweight champion!