WEC vet Will Campuzano knockouts flyweight prospect Josh Sampo in third round at Rumble Time Promotions

Top Missouri promotion Rumble Time returned to the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles for the first time in 2012 with a five fight pro card. In the main event Show Me State flyweight Josh Sampo (6-2) looked for the biggest win of his career versus five time UFC/WEC fighter Will Campuzano (10-4). The fight for Campuzano was his first in over a year while Sampo was in search of second win in the span of 40 days.

Round one began with Campuzano and Sampo trading heavy leather on the feet. Sampo mixed in two takedowns in the opening five minutes that wore down Campuzano. In the second frame Sampo again racked up points with takedowns but Campuzano would make him pay later in the fight.

One minute into the third round Sampo again searched to bring Campuzano back to the ground. Campuzano countered Sampo's next takedown attempt with a well timed knee to the head. The impact from the knee strike flattened out Sampo and earned Campuzano the knockout win.

Now competing at 125 pounds Campuzano has won two fights in a row since being released by the UFC in January 2011. The 25 year old Texan could add depth to the UFC's new flyweight division and Campuzano may be resigned to the Zuffa owned promo before the end of the year.

A 27 year old natural flyweight, the loss to Campuzano snapped a three fight winning streak for Sampo. The scrappy St. Charles MMA/Team Vaghi fighter is one the Midwest's better 125 pounders and should still be able to secure quality opponents on the local scene. After a bounce back win or two Sampo's career path should lead him to another fight versus a veteran of the major leagues and a impressive win would put him back on the UFC's radar.

On undercard lightweight prospect Zach Freeman kept his unbeaten record intact with a quick win over Charon Spain (7-12). Freeman brought the fight to floor and overwhelmed Spain with submission attempts. After taking Spain's back Freeman locked in a rear naked choke for the submission win at the 1:34 point of round one.

The 28 year old Freeman posted a 5-0 amateur MMA record before turning pro in the summer of 2011. A teammate of Sampo, Freeman has finished all five his pro MMA opponents in the first round. Despite his advanced age the 6'0 foot tall Freeman is a prospect to watch in 2012 at 155 pounds.

Rumble Time Promotions results
St. Charles, MO

Will Campuzano def. *Josh Sampo by KO (Knee to Head) 1:18 R3
*Zach Freeman def. Charon Spain by Submission RNC 1:34 R1
Chris Heatherly def. Corey Barreiro by TKO 0:19 R1
Damian Jeffro def. Yohance Flager by Submission RNC 4:21 R1
Eric Irvin def. Evian Rodriguez by TKO 2:53 R1

*Prospect to watch