Gable Steveson, the Olympic wrestling sensation, has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world after delivering a stunning 24-second knockout in his second professional MMA fight, fueling speculation that he could soon become a UFC heavyweight champion.
From Olympic Podium to MMA Spotlight
Steveson, 25, first captured global attention by winning gold for Team USA at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. After a brief stint with WWE and a short-lived NFL contract with the Buffalo Bills, Steveson has now found his stride in mixed martial arts, where his transition has been nothing short of explosive.
Lightning-Fast Knockouts and Undefeated Start
On Sunday, Steveson faced Kevin Hein at Anthony Pettis FC 21 and wasted no time, knocking out his opponent with a brutal left hook just 24 seconds into the first round. This victory improved his professional MMA record to 2-0, with both wins coming by first-round knockout.
Steveson’s debut was equally dominant, as he finished Braden Peterson in just 98 seconds at LFA 217, showcasing his signature wrestling power and rapidly developing striking skills.
Dirty Boxing and Combat Sports Versatility
Between his MMA bouts, Steveson also competed in a Dirty Boxing event, securing a 15-second knockout and demonstrating his adaptability across combat sports disciplines. His ability to seamlessly blend wrestling with striking has drawn comparisons to other Olympic wrestlers who found success in MMA, such as Ben Askren.
UFC Hype Intensifies
The buzz around Steveson’s future is growing louder. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani and former UFC fighter Ben Askren have both tipped Steveson as a future UFC champion, with Askren boldly predicting he could claim the heavyweight title within 18 months. Steveson currently competes at heavyweight, the same division where Britain’s Tom Aspinall reigns as UFC champion.
Steveson’s coach and other MMA insiders have echoed this sentiment, citing his “unlimited potential” and the rare combination of Olympic-caliber wrestling and rapidly improving striking.
What’s Next for Steveson?
With his WWE and NFL chapters closed, Steveson’s focus is now squarely on MMA. His undefeated record, highlight-reel knockouts, and Olympic pedigree make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the sport. The MMA world is watching closely to see if he will make the leap to the UFC in 2026 and how quickly he can climb the ranks.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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Gable Steveson is undefeated in MMA (2-0), with both wins by first-round KO.-
His rapid success has sparked talk of a fast-track to the UFC and potential championship contention.-
Steveson’s unique background—Olympic gold, WWE, NFL—makes him a crossover star with massive potential.If Steveson continues this trajectory, he could become one of the rare athletes to conquer both the Olympic mat and the UFC octagon, rewriting the playbook for wrestling-to-MMA transitions.
Sources
1. Gable Steveson tipped to be UFC champion 'in 18 months' after ...
2. Olympic champion Gable Steveson books Dirty Boxing main event ...
3. Olympian Gable Steveson Earns Second MMA Win with Quick KO
4. 'No doubt he can be heavyweight champion': Coach says Gable ...
5. Highlights! Gable Steveson crushes Kevin Hein in just 24 seconds at APFC 21
6. Minnesota Wrestling: Gable Steveson is a Big Ten Champion....Again
7. Olympic champ Gable Steveson scores brutal 24-second knockout in second pro fight
8. LFA 217 video: Gable Steveson crushes Braden Peterson with nasty ...
