After months of speculation and training, former WWE Superstar and Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson is officially stepping into the world of MMA. The 25 year old wrestling phenom will make his professional debut at LFA 217 on September 12.
From Gold Medals to the Gridiron and the Ring
Steveson’s transition into mixed martial arts comes after a decorated amateur wrestling career and stints in both WWE and the NFL. During his time in amateur wrestling, Steveson compiled an incredible 67-2 NCAA record and a 40-6 freestyle record, including a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Following his Olympic success, he signed with WWE in 2020, later moving to the Buffalo Bills practice squad in 2024.
Training with the Best in the Game
Now, he’s shifting his full focus to MMA. To prepare for his debut, Steveson has been working alongside some of the sport’s most elite fighters, including Jon Jones, Merab Dvalishvili, and Aljamain Sterling. He’s also spent time at top-tier gyms such as Kill Cliff FC and Syndicate MMA, known for producing UFC champions and top contenders.
While his UFC debut date remains uncertain, UFC President Dana White has already expressed significant interest in the Olympic champion. With the heavyweight division currently lacking depth, Steveson could inject both talent and excitement into the weight class.
A Future UFC Star in the Making
Steveson’s unique blend of Olympic-level wrestling, crossover stardom, and charisma positions him as a future face of the UFC. His massive following including 1.4 million Instagram fans surpasses that of several current UFC champions. As a marketable athlete with legitimate skills, he brings both talent and attention. If his debut lives up to the hype, it may not be long before he’s headlining UFC events and contending for gold once again.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
