It was the away teams that came out on top at Unified MMA 35, despite the local talent grabbing much of the attention on a Friday night in Enoch, Alta.
The main event featured Teddy Ash (now 12-4) looking to protect his Unified MMA middleweight title and continue his impressive six-fight winning run. But Dominique Steele (now 18-11) arrived with plans of his own.
A heavy strike from Steele dropped Ash late in the opening round, setting up a TKO victory for Steele. However, Steele failed to make weight, meaning Ash kept his middleweight crown—a result Steele admitted didn't bother him much.
"I've never really thought of myself as a champion type," Steele told reporters in an interview.
"I'm more of a dog that roams around marking his territory everywhere. I come in, claim my space, and walk away."
Steele's latest outing marked his second consecutive appearance in western Canada, following a first-round knockout loss to Matt Dwyer at XFFC 18.
Besides working on a TV project with a few buddies, Steele remains open to whatever opportunities present themselves—including a return match against Dwyer.
"I despise Matt Dwyer," Steele confessed.
"I wouldn't turn down a rematch. I'd gladly take it. I just can't stand that guy."
Siraj Overwhelms Hay
During the bantamweight title clash, Jamie Siraj (now 6-2) completely controlled hometown favourite Michael Hay (now 5-2) with more than four rounds of punishing ground and pound, eventually ending Hay with a body shot just inside the fifth round.
Siraj noted the bout unfolded precisely as he and his coaching staff had designed it, and he couldn't be more satisfied with how things went.
"I knew I was superior in striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu," Siraj explained during an interview. "So it came down to staying alert and countering his attacks."
"I wanted to prove I could outclass him at his best skill early on, then begin breaking him mentally as the rounds wore down."
When asked about his next step, Siraj indicated he's open to any location or opponent.
He was originally booked to square off against undefeated Justin Basra at XFFC 18 before an injury derailed the bout—and Siraj hasn't lost interest.
"Basra is definitely a fight I'd jump back into," Siraj said. "But lately I've been travelling to other people's cities, so I'd love a chance to compete at home. If that doesn't work out, I'm perfectly fine returning here to defend the strap."
"I haven't turned down a single opponent. Anyone claiming they have is lying."
Shintani Earns Title, But Feels Shortchanged
In a highly unusual situation, the featherweight championship matchup between Craig Shintani and Clay Dixon was called off because Dixon departed the venue moments before the fighters were set to enter the cage.
Consequently, Shintani received the belt and became the new Unified MMA featherweight champion.
According to Shintani, he learned just three minutes before his scheduled walkout that Dixon had walked out entirely—simply refusing to compete.
"My real desire was just to compete, regardless of whether a belt was involved," Shintani shared during an interview. "I love fighting, and it's been a while now, so I'll just have to be patient."
"It's a tough situation and honestly pretty disheartening, but I do have plenty of people around me helping me see the silver linings."
Given how deep western Canada's featherweight division runs, contenders eager to test the new champion will be plentiful for Shintani's first title defence.
Shintani told Unified MMA he's willing to face any challenger they offer—but Dixon isn't among them.
"Dixon's finished," Shintani declared. "I spoke with the promoter and he won't ever compete under Unified MMA again, and I doubt he'll step up for any promotion moving forward."
"Whoever Sunny Sareen puts in front of me at 145 pounds, I'll defend, I'll win, and then I'll get ready for the next challenge."
