Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson Signs With UFC
Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson Signs With UFC...
Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson has officially signed with the UFC, marking one of the most anticipated transitions from amateur wrestling to mixed martial arts. The 25-year-old gold medalist announced the deal on social media Monday, confirming rumors that had circulated since his departure from WWE last year.
Steveson, who dominated the 125kg division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will join the UFC's heavyweight roster. UFC President Dana White called the signing a "game-changer" for the division during a press conference in Las Vegas. No debut date has been set, but insiders suggest Steveson could fight before the end of 2026.
The move comes after Steveson's brief stint with WWE, where he was drafted to Raw in 2024 but never competed in a televised match. His decision to pursue MMA instead of professional wrestling has sparked intense debate among combat sports fans. Many see his elite grappling skills as a perfect foundation for UFC success.
Stevenson's signing is trending today as UFC fans speculate about potential matchups. Heavyweight champion Jon Jones already tweeted "Welcome to the big leagues" in response to the news. Analysts predict Steveson could bypass the contender series and receive an immediate ranked opponent given his Olympic pedigree.
The Minnesota native becomes the latest elite wrestler to join MMA, following in the footsteps of Henry Cejudo and Daniel Cormier. His signing continues the UFC's strategy of recruiting accomplished amateur wrestlers, who have historically dominated the sport's grappling-heavy meta.
Steveson told ESPN he's been training striking for over a year in preparation for the transition. "I know I have work to do," he said, "but I'm ready to prove myself in a new arena." The UFC hasn't announced whether he'll receive a developmental deal or jump straight to main roster fights.
Bookmakers immediately installed Steveson as a -200 favorite for his debut bout whenever it occurs. His social media following surged by 300,000 within hours of the announcement, reflecting massive fan interest in seeing an Olympic champion test himself in the octagon.
