Dominique Steele


Dominique Steele is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2011, he has also competed for the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, Fight Nights Global, the Xtreme Fighting Championships, and CES MMA, where he was the Welterweight Champion.

Background

Born in Cincinnati and raised in Norwood, Ohio, Steele attended Norwood High School, graduating in 2006. At Norwood, Steele was a standout in wrestling, and held an impressive overall record of 43-1, winning every tournament the school competed in until injuring his ACL at the district tournament during his senior season.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Steele began competing in amateur fights in 2009, compiling a record of 8-1 with one No Contest before turning professional in 2011. He competed in several different regional promotions across the Ohio River Valley, including one fight stints in both Strikeforce and Bellator MMA, compiling a record of 13-5.
After his victory over Chuck O'Neil in June 2015, Steele signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Steele is expected to make his promotional debut as a short notice replacement against Zak Cummings on July 25, 2015 at UFC on Fox 16, filling in for Antônio Braga Neto who pulled out citing injury. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Steele was expected to face Hyun Gyu Lim on November 28, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 79. However, Lim pulled out of the fight in the week leading up to the event and was replaced by promotional newcomer Dong Hyun Ma. Steele won the fight via KO in the third round. The win also earned Steele his first Performance of the Night bonus award.
Steele faced Danny Roberts on April 23, 2016 at UFC 197. He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded a Fight of the Night bonus.
Steele next faced Court McGee on August 6, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 92. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Steele was expected to face Kyle Noke on November 27, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 101. However, Steele pulled out of the fight on October 21 and was replaced by Omari Akhmedov.
Steele faced promotional newcomer Luke Jumeau on June 11, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 110. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Post-UFC career

On February 1, 2018 it was announced that Steele had signed a multi-fight contract with Fight Nights Global.

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts