PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Stephen Campbell (ranked 585 p4p, 83 weight class) and Mario Puzo (ranked 643 p4p, 88 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Puzo's choice of entrance music: Speak Softly Love. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Campbell
vs
Puzo

183 cm
33
197 lbs
20 - 6 - 2

185 cm
35
187 lbs
24 - 16 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 6 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Stephen Campbell!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 16 - 2, fighting out of New York, Mario Puzo!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Stewart Dunkirk and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Campbell misses with a wild body shot.
Puzo missing with a left hand there. Campbell was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Puzo jabs at Campbell's body.
Campbell scores with a hook.

Puzo moves into the clinch.
Campbell tries to work over Puzo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Puzo swings wildly with an uppercut but Campbell uses good head movement to avoid it.
Campbell lands a hook to the side of the head.
A body shot lands from Campbell.
Campbell lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Puzo backwards.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Campbell.
We've been informed that Puzo has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Puzo blocks a body shot from Campbell.
Campbell can't find room to land a body shot as Puzo controls the action.

Campbell ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Campbell no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Puzo trying to control the position from guard on top but Campbell is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Campbell looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Puzo throws a big elbow that misses.
Campbell is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Puzo missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Campbell wants to sweep here but Puzo controlling him for the moment.
Puzo trying to control but Campbell is working from the bottom.
Campbell avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Puzo won't allow Campbell to sweep him here.
Puzo passes Campbell's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Campbell moves into full guard.
Campbell can't keep his opponent in guard - Puzo advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Campbell is looking for a sweep. Puzo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Campbell is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at LOD Gym of the Gods, so we'll see if he gets out of it.

Campbell looking for submissions off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Puzo not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Puzo is looking to advance position but Campbell won't allow it.
Puzo sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Campbell defending well though.
Puzo looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Campbell is pressing down on Puzo's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Puzo tries to free his leg and advance position but Campbell is retaining full guard.
Puzo preventing the sweep.
Campbell utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Puzo wants to control from the top but Campbell keeps moving.
Puzo throws a big right hand that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Campbell 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.
Puzo in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Campbell avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Campbell is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Puzo with a flurry of punches that miss.
Puzo connects with a couple of short punches.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Puzo postures up in Campbell's guard and throws a big left but Campbell blocks it.
Puzo stopping the sweep attempt from Campbell.
Puzo postures up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Puzo slips under a jab.
Puzo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Campbell.
Puzo digs a good body shot into Campbell's ribs.
Puzo tries to clinch but Campbell is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Campbell misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Puzo.
Campbell looks for the body kick but Puzo saw that one coming.
Puzo moves out of range as Campbell throws a body kick.
Campbell takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Puzo fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Campbell drives through with a takedown into guard.
Puzo utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Puzo seems keen to control Campbell's posture.
Campbell throws a big right hand that misses.
Campbell postures up in Puzo's guard and throws a big left but Puzo blocks it.
Campbell missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Campbell working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Campbell trying to control but Puzo is working from the bottom.
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 Stephen Campbell will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Puzo throws a sloppy head kick and Campbell moves out of range easily.
Campbell looks to throw the jab but Puzo is out of range.
Puzo throws a jab but it's blocked by Campbell.
Campbell throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Puzo thinks about the counter body kick.
Campbell ducks under a wild hook from Puzo.
Campbell half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

Campbell fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Puzo, pushing him back against the cage.
Puzo lands a shoulder strike.
Puzo blocks an uppercut.
Puzo misses with a body punch.
Puzo stalling.
Campbell has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Puzo after a bit of a struggle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Puzo struggles to land a body shot inside as Campbell controls his hands.
Campbell wants a takedown.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Puzo.
Puzo throws a head punch that misses.
Campbell blocking some punches.
Campbell blocks a body shot from Puzo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Campbell looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephen Campbell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Puzo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Puzo.
Puzo tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Puzo back against the cage.
Puzo blocks a body shot from Campbell.
Puzo blocking some punches.
Campbell blocks an uppercut.
Puzo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Campbell jumps guard.
Puzo trying to control but Campbell is working from the bottom.
Puzo loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Campbell working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Puzo.
Campbell is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Campbell missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Puzo keeping control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Puzo is defending against the submission attempts here by Campbell.
Puzo tries to roll over but Campbell keeps him under control.
Puzo gets full guard.
Puzo is trying to control the position but Campbell postures up.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Puzo is on top in guard.

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Puzo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Campbell swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Campbell keeping moving, preventing Puzo from controlling successfully.

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

Campbell is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Puzo is aware though and is defending well.
Puzo throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Campbell trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
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.
Puzo in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Campbell trying to keep a closed guard but Puzo is proving a slippery customer.
Campbell looking to hit a scissor sweep but Puzo is one step ahead there.

Campbell is looking for a triangle but Puzo pushes his legs off easily.
Puzo stopping the sweep attempt from Campbell.

Campbell has an active guard here but Puzo has managed to pass into half guard.
Puzo missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Puzo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Campbell is looking to improve his position.
Campbell is refusing to be controlled, as Puzo sits in half guard.
Campbell slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Stephen Campbell overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Puzo pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Campbell is keeping the position for now.
Puzo won't allow Campbell to sweep him here.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Puzo accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Campbell wants to improve his position but instead Puzo has moved into half guard.

Campbell looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Puzo slips a nice elbow through Campbell's hands, connecting with Campbell's forehead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mario Puzo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Puzo takes the fight into the clinch.
Campbell tries to pull guard but Puzo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Puzo struggles to land a body shot inside as Campbell controls his hands.
Campbell is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Puzo is defending well.
Puzo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Puzo tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
Puzo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Puzo lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Puzo.
Puzo lands with a right to the head.
Puzo misses with a punch to the body.
Mario Puzo seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Puzo tries to work over Campbell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Puzo.
Campbell prevents a body shot from Puzo.
Puzo lands a hook that snaps the head of Campbell backwards.
Campbell cracks Puzo with a nice body shot.
Campbell throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Campbell misses with some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Puzo misses with a hook to the ribs.
Campbell working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Campbell goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Campbell jumps guard but Puzo stands there with Campbell around his waist. Campbell gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephen Campbell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Campbell tries to score a body lock takedown but Puzo shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Puzo tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Puzo back against the cage.
Puzo lands a left hand that snaps the head of Campbell backwards.
Campbell doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Campbell lands with a right to the head.
Puzo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Puzo lands a body shot in the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Campbell can't find room to land a body shot as Puzo controls the action.
Puzo misses with a hook to the ribs.
Campbell tries to pull guard but Puzo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Puzo tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Puzo back against the cage.
Puzo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Campbell can't find room to land a body shot as Puzo controls the action.
Campbell blocks a body shot from Puzo.
Campbell misses with some punches.
Campbell lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Puzo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Campbell's elbow.
Puzo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Campbell goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Puzo throws a punch but it's blocked by Campbell.
A hook to the body from Puzo.
Campbell presses Puzo against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
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!
Campbell throws a head punch that misses.
Puzo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Puzo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Campbell backwards.
Puzo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Campbell's elbow.
Campbell is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Puzo to keep the fight standing.
Puzo can't find room to land a body shot as Campbell controls the action.
Puzo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A nice right hand lands inside from Puzo.
Puzo prevents the takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A body shot lands from Puzo.
Puzo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Campbell prevents a body shot from Puzo.
Puzo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Puzo prevents a body shot from Campbell.
Puzo can't find room to land a body shot as Campbell controls the action.
Campbell prevents a body shot from Puzo.
Puzo tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
Puzo lands with a short shot to the head.
Campbell throws a punch but it's blocked by Puzo.
Campbell doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short right from Puzo.
Campbell fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Campbell is stalling here.
Puzo tries to work over Campbell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Puzo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Puzo - that landed with a thud.
Puzo gets through Campbell's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Puzo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Puzo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Campbell being controlled against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Puzo tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
Nice body punch from Puzo - that landed with a thud.
Campbell misses with a hook from the clinch.
Campbell tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puzo creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Puzo misses with a body punch.
Puzo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short right from Puzo.
Puzo has a couple of punches blocked by Campbell.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mario Puzo really dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Campbell keeps the fight on the outside.
Puzo scores with a kick to the body.
Jab, jab by Campbell - just one landing.
Campbell keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Puzo.
A quick step to the side and Campbell tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Campbell misses with a takedown attempt - Puzo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Campbell misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Puzo.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Puzo! But no joy.
Mario Puzo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A punch combination from Puzo misses.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Puzo. Campbell shrugs it off though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Puzo throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Campbell keeps the fight on the outside.
Puzo throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Campbell stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Puzo throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Puzo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Puzo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Campbell circles away quickly and effectively.
Puzo lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.

Puzo clinches up against the cage.
Puzo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Good body shot from Puzo.
Puzo scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Puzo tries a body shot but Campbell blocks it.
Campbell jumps guard but Puzo turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
A shot in the inside from Puzo.
Puzo prevents a body shot from Campbell.
A head punch on the inside from Puzo fails to land.
Campbell can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephen Campbell. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A right handed body shot lands from Puzo.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Puzo lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Puzo throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Puzo.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Campbell prevents a body shot from Puzo.
Puzo lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Puzo blocks an uppercut.
Campbell manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Puzo gets through Campbell's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Campbell misses with a hook to the ribs.
A hook to the body from Puzo.
Still in the clinch, Puzo scores with a nice short uppercut.
A hook to the body from Puzo.
Puzo blocks a body shot from Campbell.
Campbell blocks a body shot from Puzo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Puzo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Campbell backwards.
Puzo struggles to land a body shot inside as Campbell controls his hands.
Puzo lands with a short shot to the head.
A shot in the inside from Puzo.
Puzo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Puzo tries to stall but Campbell uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Puzo takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Puzo slows down the pace here.
Campbell throws a head punch that misses.
Puzo is leaning against Campbell and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Campbell throws a head punch that misses.
Puzo prevents a body shot from Campbell.
Stalling in the clinch from Puzo.
Campbell tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Puzo's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Campbell.
Puzo working aggressively here.
Puzo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Puzo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Puzo lands with a left to the head.
Puzo digs a right hand into Campbell's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Campbell's gas tank.
Puzo lands a right hand.
Puzo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Puzo lands an uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Puzo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Campbell tries to pull guard but Puzo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Campbell pushes Puzo back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Puzo makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Puzo tries to work over Campbell's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Campbell jumps guard but Puzo turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Campbell goes for a takedown attempt but Puzo pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Campbell on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mario Puzo dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Campbell throws a lazy right hand but Puzo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Campbell takes one on the button.
A jab from Campbell misses.
Puzo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Campbell.
Puzo throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Puzo throws a body punch but Campbell moves out of range.
Puzo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Campbell.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Puzo clinches up against the cage.
Puzo presses Campbell against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Campbell misses with a punch on the inside.
Puzo's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Campbell blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Puzo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A right hand to the body from Campbell.
Puzo swings wildly with an uppercut but Campbell uses good head movement to avoid it.
Campbell fails to pull guard.
A short uppercut from Puzo.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Campbell can't find room to land a body shot as Puzo controls the action.
Puzo struggles to land a body shot inside as Campbell controls his hands.
Campbell throws a punch but it's blocked by Puzo.
Campbell blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Campbell working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Puzo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Campbell tries a body shot but Puzo blocks it.
Puzo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Campbell misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mario Puzo is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A body shot lands from Puzo.
Campbell lands a right hand that snaps the head of Puzo backwards.
Campbell lands a hook that snaps the head of Puzo backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Puzo.
A short right from Campbell.
Campbell throws a punch but it's blocked by Puzo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Puzo.
Puzo blocks a body shot from Campbell.
Campbell lands with a light punch inside.
Campbell misses with the head strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Campbell can't find room to land a body shot as Puzo controls the action.
Puzo tries to throw a body punch but Campbell avoids it by throwing Puzo back against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Puzo.
Campbell working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Campbell tries to throw a body punch but Puzo avoids it by throwing Campbell back against the cage.
Stephen Campbell has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Puzo prevents a body shot from Campbell.
Campbell lands a left hand that snaps the head of Puzo backwards.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Campbell tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Puzo's elbow.
Campbell misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Campbell misses with a punch to the body.
Campbell is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Puzo to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephen Campbell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Campbell tries to pull guard but Puzo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Campbell lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Puzo backwards.
Campbell tries a body shot but Puzo blocks it.
Campbell blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short right from Puzo on the inside.
Campbell can't find room to land a body shot as Puzo controls the action.
Campbell scores with a nice hook to the head.
Campbell misses with a shot to the kidneys.

And that's the end of the fight!
Stephen Campbell showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Puzo has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 47:48
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 47:48
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mario Puzo! Mario Puzo retains his middleweight title!
Mario Puzo spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.