Two Ohio-based middleweights making their Strikeforce debuts opened the HDNet preliminary card, as the undefeated Chris Mierzwiak battled with Dominique Steele.
Steele started aggressively. Mierzwiak looked for takedown early, but ended up on his back. He quickly reversed and ended up on top. Mierzwiak locked in a reverse triangle, Steele escaped. The pair scrambled for position against the fence. Steele scored with a jumping knee. Mierzwiak looked fro another takedown, but Steele defended with a guillotine attempt. Mierzwiak landed a number of big shots that wobbled Steele midway through the round. Mierzwiak brought the fight down to the ground and took Steele’s back. Using a body triangle, Mierzwiak worked for a rear-naked choke, but Steele managed to spin into guard. Back on the feet, the fighters traded big shots as the round came to a close.
The second round started similarly to the first, as Steele pressed forward and Mierzwiak looked for a takedown. Steele landed his first takedown of the fight. Mierzwiak looked for a triangle from the bottom and then an armbar. Steele pounded away from the top position. Another triangle from Mierzwiak was broken up with a slam from Steele. The fighters again returned to their feet and traded shots against the cage. A short right hand from Steele dropped Mierzwiak. Steele pounced and put Mierzwiak in the crucifix, but could not finish the fight as the fight headed to the third round.
The final round began with both fighters both showing fatigue. Mierzwiak looked for a takedown against the fence, but Steele pushed him away. Mierzwiak threw a kick that was caught by Steele and the pair ended up on the ground. Steele laid in the full guard. Mierzwiak looked an omoplata, but Steele easily escaped. Steele scored with a double leg takedown half way through the round. Another triangle attempt, then armbar from Mierzwiak. Steele escaped, but gave up his back. Mierzwiak again locked in a body triangle and looked for a choke. Steele spun back into the full guard with seconds left in the fight.
The judges rewarded for Steele for his performance, handing Mierzwiak his first defeat.
Official result: Dominique Steele def. Chris Mierzwiak via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27 x2)
Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.