Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold-medal wrestler turned heavyweight mixed martial artist, has signed with the UFC and will make his promotional debut on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
Signing Announcement
The 25-year-old Steveson was at UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday night sitting beside his mentor, Jon Jones, when the UFC confirmed he has officially signed with the promotion. The announcement said Steveson will fight an as-yet unnamed opponent during International Fight Week at UFC 329 on July 11.
Wrestling Background and Physical Profile
Steveson is one of the best freestyle heavyweight wrestlers of his generation. He won the 2020 Olympic gold medal, is a two-time NCAA Division I champion, and has won the Dan Hodge Trophy twice. He stands 6 ft 1 in and fights at about 265 lb.
Early MMA Career and Record
After much interest in a move to mixed martial arts, Steveson began his pro MMA career last September in the LFA promotion. He has won his first three professional fights, all in the first round.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Gable Steveson | 3-0 in MMA — TKO in 98 seconds (debut), 24-second KO, 1st-round TKO |
Steveson made a strong start in MMA. He won his pro debut by TKO in 98 seconds, followed by a 24-second knockout and another first-round TKO. His fast finishes and high-level wrestling have made him one of the most watched prospects in the heavyweight division.
What to Expect at UFC 329
The UFC will introduce Steveson to its heavyweight roster during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. No opponent was named at the announcement, so fans will watch for the official matchup and any other fights added to the card.
With Olympic-level wrestling, strong athletic tools, and quick early finishes in MMA, Steveson enters the UFC with high expectations. How quickly he climbs the heavyweight rankings will depend on how he adapts his wrestling to the striking and pace of top-level MMA competition.
Report by UFCcoverage.
