Mike Campbell is a powerful lightweight prospect training with Team Sityodtong. He spent the early part of his career fighting at 170 pounds before dropping a weight class, where his size and strength potential is magnified that much further. Prior to embarking on his MMA journey, Campbell was a very promising amateur powerlifter. In 2004 he placed third at the Junior World Powerlifting Championships and at one point also had Olympic aspirations in the sport. As a fighter, his cup of coffee came in 2009 when he had a brief two fight stint in the WEC. Campbell was eventually released following consecutive losses to Anthony Pettis and Danillo Villefort, but has continued developing his game since, scoring a very respectable win over vet Yves Edwards.

Campbell is known for being an aggressive southpaw striker. Although he can be caught flat footed, Campbell is an athletic fighter who naturally moves very quickly. As a striker, Campbell looks to work his jab, lead hook and straight left punches. A powerful striker, Campbell hits very hard and holds substantial knockout power standing. To compliment his boxing, Campbell’s also equipped with a powerful kicking repertoire. In fact, the most dangerous weapon in his striking arsenal could very well be his left leg. Campbell successfully varies his left kicks high, low, and to the body, and he does have a couple of highlight reel headkick KO’s on his resume. Training at Team Sityodtong, Campbell’s clinch work continues to improve and he’s proven to be a tough striker who keeps coming forward and doesn’t go away. Still lacking the fluidity, agility and precision found in the top strikers in the game, Campbell will need to continue working on his striking technique.

The raw power Campbell possesses is visibly evident in his takedowns. He makes it look easy when scooping opponents into the air and slamming or tossing them to the canvas. His takedown arsenal consist of power singles and big slams. The raw tools are at hand for Campbell to develop into a strong MMA wrestler although he will need to put work into the technical aspects of his wrestling game. As of 2010 Campbell was a BJJ blue belt, and his development in that area of his game will be the key to his the versatility he holds as a grappler. He’s made strides in his guard work (and will need to continue doing show), having incorporated several strong sweeps into his grappling arsenal. At times Campbell will give up his back too easily and he has run recklessly into submissions in the past (see bout with Anthony Pettis). He has however been progressing in his submissions, with both his awareness and technique continuing to come along.