Talented mixed martial arts prospect and former collegiate wrestler Isaac Steele (1-0 professional, 5-0 amateur) is fighting for a lot more than just his second professional win at Absolute Action MMA 20: “Battle Against Breast Cancer 2” on November 19 in Florence, Ky.

Like many other individuals, Steele has seen cancer impact and take the lives of loved ones. In an effort to give back to the community and pay tribute to his late grandfather, Steele is donating all of his proceeds to help fund cancer research efforts.

“My grandfather died of cancer two years ago in February,” Steele said. “It was lung cancer. He was a big part of my life. Although I was there for him, I felt like I could have done more. He was one of the strongest, most hard-working people I knew and went through cancer five times. For me to be healthy and even be able to have what I have today, it’s the least I can do.”

A student of UFC and Strikeforce veteran Jorge Gurgel, Steele only recently found out about who he’d face off against this Saturday. Following some last second shuffling, Steele will match up against Yancey Martin, who also has a 1-0 professional record and an extensive amateur fighting background.

“It makes me nervous, but it’s happened before a lot in my amateur career,” Steele said of the opponent changes. “My last amateur fight, I actually took a fight on four days notice against a kid who was ranked number four in the state and I didn’t know anything about him.”

However, Steele has a lot of confidence coming into the bout, earning a pro debut win in less than ideal circumstances, as he had not yet recovered from an illness that almost forced him to back out of the fight. And with aspirations to reach the biggest stage of MMA, Steele has a lot riding on Saturday’s outcome.

“My mindset’s pretty much the same with every fight,” he said. “I want to make it to the UFC and it’s pretty much a must win for me Saturday. Every fight is a must win if I want to get where I want to be.”

Steele would like to thank his generous sponsors: Swole, Cage Fighter, and On Point Athletics.

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