Can He Be the Next Great Champion of MMA?
When Gable Steveson walked off the wrestling mat at the 2022 NCAA Championships, leaving his shoes behind in the traditional sign of retirement, he left as one of the most decorated heavyweights in college wrestling history. With a career record of 103-3, a flawless 58-0 mark in dual meets, and 41 straight wins against Big Ten opponents, Steveson’s name was already etched in wrestling history. He closed his career with a 52-match win streak and the highest winning percentage ever for the Minnesota Gophers.
His accolades speak for themselves: two NCAA titles, three Big Ten championships, four-time NCAA All-American honors, and two Hodge Trophies, college wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman. And, of course, his crowning achievement an Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where he stunned the world with a last-second comeback win that cemented his place among wrestling’s all-time greats.
But greatness in one sport doesn’t always mean smooth success in another.
Searching for the Next Arena
After college, Steveson sought new challenges. He signed with WWE, entering the world of professional wrestling. He even pursued the NFL, attending a tryout with the Buffalo Bills. Both ventures, however, fizzled out. In a dramatic twist, Steveson briefly returned to college wrestling, only to suffer what many are calling one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history: a 5-4 loss to Wyatt Hendrickson in March 2025. The defeat shocked fans who had seen Steveson as nearly untouchable.
Now, Steveson has entered the next chapter of his athletic journey Mixed Martial Arts.
In his professional MMA debut at LFA 219, Steveson showed flashes of why so many believe he could follow the path of great wrestlers-turned-UFC champions. He earned his first victory in just 98 seconds of the opening round, overwhelming his opponent with the same combination of speed, power, and control that defined his wrestling career. Afterward, in an interview with Ariel Helwani, Steveson made his intentions clear: he wants to become a UFC champion. But unlike some wrestlers who jumped into the deep end too quickly, Steveson said he plans to build his MMA career carefully, learning from the mistakes of others.
Can Wrestling Greatness Translate?
History is on his side. From Randy Couture and Dan Severn to Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo, wrestling has been one of the most reliable pipelines to MMA success. The skillset of controlling an opponent, dictating position, and breaking wills translates almost seamlessly. Add Steveson’s Olympic-level athleticism and the potential ceiling gets even higher.
But MMA is different. It’s not just about takedowns and control—it’s about absorbing punches, defending submissions, and staying calm in chaos. Steveson will have to prove he can take a shot as well as he can give one.
Still, if his wrestling career showed us anything, it’s that Steveson rises when the lights shine brightest.
The Question Ahead
Gable Steveson has already conquered wrestling. He’s tested himself in entertainment and even flirted with the NFL. Now he’s entering the cage with the same hunger that made him an Olympic gold medalist.
So here’s the question every fight fan is asking: Does Gable Steveson have what it takes to be the next great star in the UFC standing alongside the likes of Cormier, Couture, and Cejudo or is he still searching for where he truly belongs?
Time, as always, will tell.
