The outburst led to Steele fighting off an inverted triangle from north-south and getting back to his feet. Mierzwiak clinched up and landed a series of short rights that backed Steele up, then sending him to the floor with a knee to the chin. Mierzwiak pounced and took Steele's back, sinking his hooks and seeking a rear-naked choke. Steele spun out, stood back and unloaded the cannon.
A jumping knee followed by a series of big punches led to a short tie up against the cage until the horn sounded. Steele came out strong in the second with a flurry and flying knee, then hit a double leg. Steele held top position and chipped away with ground and pound before fending off Mierzwiak's triangle attempt.
Mierzwiak battled back to his feet but was greeted with two flying knees from Steele, who pressured with punches and dropped Mierzwiak with a stiff right. Steele rode out the time on top and seemed to even up the fight going into the third.
After a quick tangle in the clinch, Steele countered Mierzwiak's low kick with a straight right hand for another knockdown. Mierzwiak stayed busy with his guard got back to his feet momentarily, but Steele pinned him on the cage to secure a deep double leg. Just as it seemed Steele would hold position for the last minute, Mierzwiak's slippery guard sparked a scramble in which he was able to take Steele's back.
The official scores were 29-28 and 29-27 for Dominque Steele, the winner by unanimous decision.
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