Just one competitive Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) engagement into his journey, Gable Steveson appears to be a noteworthy presence.
The accomplished grappler secured his inaugural professional MMA victory at LFA 217 on Friday, overpowering Braden Peterson with a stoppage via ground-and-pound in the first round.
Steveson steps into this arena carrying substantial anticipation, following an amateur wrestling background that includes two NCAA Division I national championships achieved at the University of Minnesota, along with a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, making him the youngest Olympic super heavyweight champion ever. He stands as one of only a select few collegiate wrestlers to have been awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy on multiple occasions and the sole heavyweight to achieve this distinction.
So it was hardly unexpected that he secured control over Peterson, age 37, to the ground swiftly.
Following his Olympic triumph, Steveson’s path through the sports landscape has been quite eventful. He committed to WWE in 2021 but was released the previous year following a tepid period. He subsequently pursued a career in the NFL as a defensive lineman with the Buffalo Bills but was released in 2024. In the midst of these ventures, he made his return to Minnesota and suffered a significant upset in NCAA history.
Now fully immersed in the realm of MMA, Steveson is instantly considered one of the sport’s most captivating heavyweight prospects, benefiting from considerable support. Jon Jones, the former two-division UFC champion, was present at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Steveson’s home state of Minnesota, commending a competitor who assisted him in preparing for last year’s Stipe Miocic fight and is now receiving reciprocal support from his team:
“He’s an exceptional athlete. His speed, power, intelligence, and dedication to training are remarkable. He has demonstrated to our team — Greg Jackson, Brandon Gibson, and myself — his willingness to learn and surround himself with the best,” Jones remarked about Steveson. “I believe he has the ideal combination to reach the pinnacle.”
Based on these statements, the UFC will undoubtedly be closely observing his progress and is likely to become involved before too long.
