Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson Set for MMA Debut at LFA 217

From Wrestling Glory to MMA Dreams

Steveson’s wrestling résumé is nearly unmatched:

• 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle heavyweight, the youngest in division history at 21.

• Two-time NCAA Division I champion at the University of Minnesota.

• Two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner (wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman).

• Five-time All-American.

Earlier this year, however, Steveson suffered a rare setback when he was upset by Wyatt Hendrickson in the 2025 NCAA finals. Hendrickson became the first wrestler all season to score a takedown against Steveson, handing him a shocking loss.

MMA Preparation

Steveson has been spotted training with some of MMA’s elite over the past few years. He has worked on the mats with Jon Jones, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time, and has also trained at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas. His transition to the cage has been highly anticipated. With many comparing his crossover to past wrestling greats such as Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar.

The Opponent

For his debut, Steveson will face Braden Peterson (1-0), a 37-year-old from Montana who scored a 14-second knockout in July. Peterson brings knockout power, Steveson will enter as the heavy favorite thanks to his Olympic caliber wrestling background and athletic prime.

What’s at Stake

The LFA has long been recognized as one of the premier stepping stones to the UFC, producing champions like Kamaru Usman, Brandon Moreno, and Valentina Shevchenko along the way. For Gable Steveson, that makes his debut more than just another fight it’s the start of a potential fast track to the sport’s biggest stage.

With his star power, youth, and Olympic pedigree, UFC matchmakers will be watching closely. But a dominating performance against Braden Peterson. The calls for Steveson to jump directly into the Octagon will be deafening.