Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold recipient, might have ventured into the realms of professional wrestling and the NFL during recent years, but across successive months, he delivered a stark reminder to the combat sports community about his long-standing reputation as a formidable and significant prospect in the fighting arena.
Coming on the heels of his initial-round triumph achieved via ground-and-pound against Braden Peterson at LFA 217 held in Minnesota the preceding month, Steveson garnered attention by headlining Thursday’s event for Mike Perry’s emerging striking league, known as Dirty Boxing Championship. After all, Steveson was recognized as a wrestler. Consequently, striking was not deemed to be his area of expertise.
However, in the moments following the opening bell for his heavyweight match against Billy Swanson at Dirty Boxing 4 situated in Nashville, he effortlessly toppled “Big Sexy” by leveraging his potent uppercuts, culminating in a conclusive 15-second knockout. Despite Swanson’s last victory dating back to 2021, Steveson showcased his potential as a substantial competitor, displaying undeniable striking prowess that complemented his exceptional collegiate and freestyle wrestling capabilities.
Steveson etched his name in the annals of history during the 2020 Olympic Games, where, at the age of 21, he astonished spectators by emerging as the youngest freestyle super heavyweight wrestler to ever secure a gold medal. A two-time NCAA champion and a two-time recipient of the Dan Hodge Trophy, Steveson has already established himself as one of the most dominant amateur wrestlers of his time.
With a pair of professional fights now under his belt, and with UFC icon Jon Jones present in his corner along with UFC VP of Talent Relations Mick Maynard seated in the front row, the American conveyed a clear message to the UFC matchmaker following the fight: “Mick, you’ve witnessed a glimpse,” Steveson remarked, “but I aspire to demonstrate considerably more.”
Steveson’s knockout was not the only remarkable moment of Thursday’s event, as UFC veteran Bryan Battle dominated Nick Kohring in the co-main event, knocking him down and subsequently delivering a fight-ending blow while Kohring was in a kneeling position.
Elsewhere, Montavious Ware undeniably captivated the audience with a striking demonstration against Alexander Schenk, whom he dispatched without difficulty in the opening round. Jaleel Willis secured a decisive second-round knockout victory over Peter Stanonik, and UFC veteran Francisco Trinaldo defeated Nayanesh Ayman through a decision.
Watch the entire show from start to finish below:
Relive all the action with Uncrowned’s live results, highlights and round-by-round play-by-play of all the bouts below.
Fight Card Results
Gable Steveson def. Billy Swanson via KO in R1 [Watch video]
Bryan Battle def. Nick Kohring via KO in R1 [Watch video]
Francisco Trinaldo def. Nayanesh Ayman via UD (30-27, 29-28 x 2)
Montavious Ware def. Alexander Schenk via KO in R1 [Watch video]
Jaleel Willis def. Peter Stanonik via KO in R2 [Watch video]
James Cannon def. Zaine Burton via UD (30-27 x 3)
Andrew Stewart def. Ivanieldo Mettendaf via UD (30-27 x 3)
Ben Parrish def. Braxton Smith via KO in R1 | [Watch video]
Desiree Yanez def. Mariya Agapova via SD (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Gabe Eurit def. Akeem Bashir via KO in R2 | [Watch video|
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Alan Dawson
“I’m feeling amazing,” Steveson expressed following the bout. “I entered an environment that wasn’t familiar to me, but I trust I’ve earned your appreciation.”
“Navigating the anticipation leading up to this, the verbal exchanges, necessitated overcoming numerous obstacles. I aspire to have demonstrated to the globe that I am capable of delivering a forceful strike.”
Steveson then addressed Mick Maynard, the UFC’s VP of Talent Relations, who had been observing the event firsthand in Nashville.
“Mick, you’ve had a small glimpse, but I’m hoping to reveal substantially more.”
Could the UFC potentially be next on the horizon?
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Alan Dawson
The uppercuts were instrumental in inflicting the critical blows while Swanson maintained his stance, and the subsequent forceful actions on the ground solidified the outcome. We are aware of his wrestling abilities, yet this was an unequivocal declaration, even though it was against an adversary with lesser strength. I would have liked to witness at least a round’s worth of striking, but, indeed, he has impactful force.
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Alan Dawson
Steveson endures a few early strikes yet successfully navigates through them and then simply does not relent! The intensity escalates swiftly, and he extinguishes Big Sexy’s consciousness in what seemed to be a mere 15 seconds!
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Alan Dawson
Both individuals are 6-foot-1, yet Steveson’s notable mass distinguishes them, as he weighed in at 265 pounds — surpassing Big Sexy, over whom he also possesses a three-inch advantage in reach.
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Alan Dawson
Big Sexy.
It doesn’t particularly evoke my own image.
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Alan Dawson
“The fights tonight have been truly extraordinary,” Jon Jones stated. “This is undeniably one of the most sought-after events in the area.”
In relation to the headline event, Jones remarked: “Gable is a cherished companion, a teammate, and that signifies more than anything else. He occupies a remarkable space. We will witness agility, exceptional combinations. We strategically chose his second fight to be boxing for a specific purpose. Our intention is for individuals to recognize that he is not solely a one-dimensional athlete focused on takedowns.”
Jones concluded by appealing to the UFC and Dana White to provide him with a place on the greatly anticipated UFC show at The White House, tentatively planned for June, in observance of President Donald Trump’s birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities.
However, The Schmo did not inquire as to whom he would be competing against. While Alex Pereira is a potential contender, Tom Aspinall is also a possibility if he is able to regain his vision and prevail against Ciryl Gane in their forthcoming rematch.
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Alan Dawson
“Listen, my friend. I am engaged in a different pursuit than all these other competitors,” Bryan Battle stated following his victory. “While they come prepared to engage in combat, I come prepared to secure a win. These are commonly referred to as Kill Shots, while I refer to them as one-shot opportunities. If they are placed in my path, I will proceed to eliminate them.”
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Alan Dawson
It was a left-hand strike from Battle that inflicted the primary injury, almost causing Kohring to lose balance. Subsequently, while Kohring remained on his knees, Battle unleashed a swift right-hand strike as Kohring’s face was merely six inches away from his glove. An explosive strike. Welcome to Dirty Boxing Championship.
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Alan Dawson
In the initial moments of the very first round, these competitors are engaged in intense exchanges, akin to there being no subsequent moments! Kohring delivers forceful blows to the body with abandon, while Battle retaliates, resulting in Kohring collapsing with a striking blow in the first round! Subsequently, he proceeds to exchange celebratory gestures with individuals at ringside! An exceptional performance!
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Alan Dawson
You’ve been looking forward to his participation, as have I. One of the prominent figures of the event … Bryan Battle will be competing against Nick Kohring in a 185-pound showdown.
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Alan Dawson
… but even following all these advertisements featuring Tucker Carlson’s nicotine patch, I find myself feeling a sense of addiction.
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Alan Dawson
Exclusively one judge concurred with Uncrowned, awarding all rounds to Trinaldo, with the other two judges deeming it a 29-28 bout. Irrespective of the specifics, the proper victor emerged, as Trinaldo augments his Dirty Boxing record to 2-0.
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Alan Dawson
He elevates Ayman’s hand, recognizing his steadfast opponent.
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Alan Dawson
Despite the possibility of Trinaldo conceding the third round and still emerging victorious, Trinaldo commences with maximum aggression, functioning akin to a Duracell-energized bunny, rapidly traversing the ring and striking Ayman with his punches. Ayman experienced substantial nasal bleeding yet demonstrated extraordinary resolve in maintaining an upright position despite the intense assault. It was not solely a unilateral contest. Ayman successfully landed a commendable right-hand strike, yet any advancements he achieved were promptly nullified by Trinaldo’s skillful footwork, velocity, and unconventional aggression.
Round 3: 10-9 — 30-27 Trinaldo
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Alan Dawson
Trinaldo endured minor nasal bleeding, yet the cutsman effectively addressed it in the interim between rounds. Ayman also struggled to evade injury. Trinaldo initiates the second round with precise aggression. Trinaldo confines Ayman to a corner, combining feints with strikes to maintain his opponent’s alertness. Another successful round for Trinaldo. A forceful assault.
Round 2: 10-9 — 20-18 Trinaldo
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Alan Dawson
Ayman is caught unawares as Trinaldo promptly initiates the offensive, landing clear and accurate blows. Trinaldo, being of smaller stature and stockier build, effectively prevents Ayman from establishing appropriate distance by almost positioning his head in Ayman’s chest and delivering punches towards his head. Ayman reverses the dynamic midway through the round, executing a sweeping elbow strike, the most noteworthy strike observed thus far! Ayman is now diligently battling back into contention. The final minute now presents a scoring dilemma. Ayman initiates another elbow lead, and Trinaldo forces him to fall! Trinaldo is currently overpowering him. A significant initial round.
Round 1: 10-9 — Trinaldo
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Alan Dawson
Francisco Trinaldo and Nayanesh Ayman are now positioned in the ring in anticipation of their welterweight contest. Let us proceed!
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