Here’s a bold statement: Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, might just be the most hyped MMA prospect we’ve seen in years—and one ex-fighter believes he could dethrone UFC heavyweight champions right now. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this wrestling phenom truly ready to dominate the Octagon, or are we setting him up for a fall? Let’s dive in.
Gable Steveson’s journey to MMA has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating the wrestling mats as a five-time All-American at the University of Minnesota and claiming Olympic gold, he briefly explored American football and WWE before setting his sights on mixed martial arts. And let’s be clear: wrestling is often hailed as the ultimate foundation for MMA success, giving Steveson a massive advantage—at least on paper.
Interestingly, Steveson hasn’t even needed to showcase his world-class wrestling skills in his MMA career so far. Instead, he’s flattened both of his opponents with striking power, most recently securing a jaw-dropping 24-second knockout under the Anthony Pettis FC banner. This undefeated streak has only fueled the hype, with fans and analysts alike wondering just how far he can go.
Joe Rogan, for one, is all-in on Steveson’s potential. The podcasting giant believes Steveson could already compete with several ranked UFC heavyweights. But former welterweight Matt Brown has taken it a step further, claiming Steveson could beat current champions like Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane today. “He could be champion literally today,” Brown boldly stated on The Fighter vs. The Writer. “I’d pick him to beat the champion right now.”
But here’s the controversial part: Is Brown’s confidence in Steveson’s immediate championship potential justified, or is it a case of overhyping a talented but untested athlete? After all, Steveson has only two professional MMA fights under his belt, both against relatively unknown opponents. Could he truly handle the likes of Aspinall or Gane, who have years of cage experience?
Steveson himself seems unfazed by the pressure. He’s outlined a clear plan for 2026: rack up a few more regional wins and then make his UFC debut at the highly anticipated UFC White House event in Washington D.C. on June 14. “That’s my perfect world,” he shared on The Joe Rogan Experience. But the question remains: Is the UFC ready for him, or is he rushing into the deep end?
And this is the part most people miss: While Steveson’s wrestling credentials are undeniable, MMA is a different beast. Striking, submissions, and cage strategy all play critical roles. Can Steveson adapt quickly enough to compete with the division’s elite? Or will his wrestling background be enough to carry him through?
Controversial question for you: Do you think Gable Steveson is ready to challenge for the UFC heavyweight title right now, or is he being overhyped? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Oh, and one last teaser: If Steveson does make his UFC debut at the White House event, it could be one of the most talked-about moments in MMA history. But will it be a triumph or a cautionary tale? Only time will tell. Join our newsletter to stay updated on this and other MMA stories—you won’t want to miss it!
