A physical confrontation can take many forms and shapes. Not all are the same. I want to define the difference in my eyes between a “fight” and an “assault.”
A fight is a physical attack that can happen from a misunderstanding, an argument or within a competitive event. A fight involves hitting and/or grappling with the goal of overcoming your opponent. It can devolve into an assault but usually is resolved once the dominant party takes command of the situation via knockout, surrender/quitting, or fleeing. This is where you fight to be the winner.
An assault is a fight that also involves hitting and grappling but also usually involves the use of a weapon/tool. Be it a knife, a gun, a beer bottle, etc. Additionally, it has a very different intent. That intent is a predatory malice to injure, maim, rape and/or kill the other. This is where you fight to survive.