Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport that has been on the rise in popularity ever since the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) began promoting and popularizing it in 1993. Though not yet competing at the UFC level a Carlyle native is making a name for himself in the sport.
Tyson "The Man Of" Steele, 25, is currently living in Saskatoon working in operations at the city's water treatment plant.
Steele has been training in Saskatoon and competing in the sport for the past five years.
"I have a team in Saskatoon, a coach who trains me who has worked with a lot of fighters. The gym is called Alliance and there is probably a handful of fighters there and we work together to train for upcoming fights," Steele explained.
Recently Steele competed in Winnipeg for the Aggression Fighting Championship 11: Takeover in the welterweight class. The fight was held on Sept. 15 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre where he would take on Jarod "The Milkman" Milko.
Milko proved to be a tough competitor, but Steele was able to come away with the win. MMA fighters are able to win through knock out, submission and decision. This particular fight saw Steele walk away with a unanimous decision in his favour.
"When I get into the ring I'm focused on fighting. I'm confident in my training and the hard work I've put into it will take over. I just do my thing and it's worked out," Steele said.
Steele currently sits with a record of nine wins and one loss. He's won one fight through knock out, seven by submission, and one by decision. Seen as a strong competitor and a Canadian prospect, he has been invited to fight in Las Vegas.
The World Series of Fighting (WSOF) will be holding their debut show on Nov. 3. The fights will be held at Planet Hollywood and tickets are now available. The fight will also be broadcast through the NBC Sports Network, but currently there is no Canadian company who will be airing the fight, though discussions are in the works.
At the WSOF Steele will take on Gregor Gracie who is originally from Brazil. Gracie has currently been training in New York City and has a record of seven wins and two losses. The fight is sure to be an exciting match-up.
Steele is looking forward to the event and is excited for his blossoming career, hoping to one day possibly make it into the UFC.
"The UFC is the best of the best and if I were ever able to fight there I would consider myself a success," Steele said.
Though ambitious and talented in his field, Steele described his love for the sport as why he continues to train and enjoy what he is doing.
"For now I'm having fun with it and as long as I'm having fun I will continue to compete," Steele explained.
