Shane “Shaolin” Campbell is back where it all began for Unified 48 in Toronto

Dec 14, 2022

TORONTO – Shane Campbell is back where it all began.

Well before he represented Canada in the UFC and became an international kickboxing champion, Campbell’s martial arts journey began in Ontario, the province in which he was born.

On Friday, for the first time in a decade, Campbell will get a chance to compete in his native Ontario. He takes on American Darren Smith (22-12) for the vacant Unified MMA Canadian Super-Lightweight Championship in the Main Event of Unified 48 at the International Centre in Toronto, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass.

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“I’ve fought here before, but this does feel special, to be fighting at home,” Campbell says. “I’ve got a lot of friends and family here, so it’s good to have the opportunity to put on a show for them.” 

Campbell predicts a TKO on Friday. A victory this weekend will extend his unbeaten streak to six fights and will propel him to 21-8 as a professional. 

“Shaolin,” as he’s known to fight fans around the world, has high hopes for 2023, but he says there’s still much to do before the calendar turns.

“There’s a lot to finish up here in 2020,” he says. “Starting on Friday.”

ABOUT UNIFIED MMA

Unified MMA is Canada’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, showcasing the country’s top-ranked fighters, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass. The organization has successfully promoted 47 events since it was founded in 2009, and has propelled several athletes to the UFC’s Octagon.