Tyson "the Man of" Steele of Carlyle, now living in Saskatoon, has had much success in the Canadian Mixed Martial Arts scene as a welterweight fighter. Following a win against Jarod "The Milkman" Milko, Steele was ready to take on a new challenge having been invited to fight in Las Vegas on Nov. 3.
With the World Series of Fighting, Steele, would face Gregor Gracie. At Planet Hollywood with just over 5,500 people in attendance Steele would fight for the biggest win of his career thus far.
"He was definitely a huge step up. He is a world champion jujitsu fighter. So he was a huge step up, but what can you expect? If you want to go anywhere in the sport you've got to take your risks," Steele explained.
Thus, the win against Gracie is quite the accomplishment for the fighter who should now see more fights as his name and talents have been showcased in what is considered to be the place to fight.
"It was an exciting place to fight, basically Las Vegas is the MMA capital of the world and I look forward to fighting there again one day," Steele said.
Going into the fight, despite the new arena and a tough competitor, Steele was level-headed and confident.
"I always feel confident going into a fight. This one was not different than any other. I was healthy and well-prepared. Free of injury," Steele stated, "I was ready and you need to think that way going into a fight. You need to think you will win, because if you don't you're already beat."
When Steele's fight came up that evening he was, therefore, focused and excited for the opportunity.
"The fight went how we planned, only better," Steele was excited to explain, "I was able to finish him in the first round."
Steele said early in the fight he felt that he was in trouble as Gracie succeeded in a single leg take down, followed by a few different attempts at choke holds. When Steele was able to break the hold they both got to their feet.
"I baited him with an arm bar and he tried for it. I was able to gain the top position going down. He got free, but I got a few hits in when he turtled," Steele said.
Again the two got to their feet and Steele took advantage of his momentum in the fight by backing Gracie up against the cage. Steele continued to deliver solid blows to Gracie, eventually dropping his opponent with a knee to the face. Following Gracie to the mat, Steele, delivered about 10 more punches before the ref stopped the fight.
Steele had won his first international fight through a TKO in the first round of fighting. There to celebrate with him were many friends and his parents.
Following this big win, Steele is already back training in Saskatoon. He is focused on staying in shape and waiting for his next fight. Steele has not yet set another fight, but is looking forward to more fights with tough, high caliber competitors in the future.
In training he has a coach he listens to and together they work on specific things for his style of fighting.
"I use what I'm good at and will make them [any opponent] adjust to me," Steele explained.
Steele now sits with a record of 10 and 1. Ten wins including two TKO's, seven submissions, and one by decision, with only one loss in his career. He currently is on a four-fight winning streak and will continue to work hard.
