Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist and former collegiate wrestling star, has issued a high-profile challenge to UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, signaling his official entry into mixed martial arts. Following a stunning upset loss to Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson at the NCAA finals held at the Wells Fargo Center, Steveson has shifted focus from collegiate wrestling to an MMA career. The Apple Valley native’s decision marks a major moment for the heavyweight division, with fans and experts alike weighing the potential impact of his transition.
Steveson’s MMA interest isn’t new, as he previously assisted UFC icon Jon Jones in preparing for Jones’ title defense against Stipe Miocic last year. This experience whetted Steveson’s appetite for mixed martial arts, leading him to train in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while anticipating his professional debut. Under the tutelage of coach Connor Person at La Bodega Fitness and Fight Club in Minnesota, Steveson has been developing a striking-heavy game, as seen in his recent Instagram training clips. His rapid evolution has drawn praise from notable figures like BJJ legend Craig Jones, who highlighted the excitement surrounding Steveson’s budding MMA career.
Massive Fan Support Greets Steveson’s UFC Challenge to Tom Aspinall
Gable Steveson stunned the MMA community when he boldly called out UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, alongside other top contenders such as Ciryl Gane and Sergei Pavlovich. This challenge followed the retirement of Jon Jones, whom Steveson had publicly defended during the weighty debates on title unification bouts. Steveson’s outspoken move has only intensified speculation that he is poised to become a dominant force within the Octagon.
Fans have responded with palpable excitement, often highlighting Steveson’s imposing physicality and decorated wrestling background. One fan stated,
“I am scared for everyone in the UFC,”
capturing the anxiety and anticipation surrounding Steveson’s potential MMA arrival. Another pleaded,
“UFC please make this happen.”
Comparisons with MMA legend Daniel Cormier have surfaced widely; judging by Steveson’s accomplishments—which include an Olympic gold medal, four Big Ten championships, two U-17 world titles, and a Pan American gold—many see him as a generational talent ready to redefine the heavyweight landscape.
Imagining a matchup between Steveson and Aspinall, fans emphasize Steveson’s unique agility and movement at heavyweight. One fan pronounced,
“Ain’t nobody moving like that at heavyweight.”
However, while this potential fight carries enormous stakes, it realistically appears years away, pending Steveson’s MMA debut expected to occur at the earliest next year. Despite the timeline, his challenge has already disrupted the UFC heavyweight scene.
New training footage of Steveson includes him delivering a powerful 12–6 elbow strike on a dummy, a move that notably drew attention from Craig Jones, who joked,
“That’s illegal, brother,”
alluding to Jon Jones’ infamous disqualification for the same technique. The observed training highlights not only Steveson’s striking progress but also underscores the serious threat he could pose to the current champions. For many observers, Steveson is rapidly emerging as the UFC’s potential next heavyweight king.
Gable Steveson’s Wrestling Legacy Meets MMA Ambitions
Steveson’s wrestling pedigree is one of the most impressive in recent memory. He is not only an Olympic gold medalist but also a four-time Big Ten champion with a storied amateur wrestling career including multiple international titles. His wrestling excellence provides a solid foundation as he navigates the transition into MMA, a sport where elite grappling can often dictate the flow of fights.
Beyond his skill set, Steveson’s high-profile status helps to bring significant attention to the UFC heavyweight division. His past work with Jon Jones and visible growth in disciplines such as striking and jiu-jitsu highlight his commitment to becoming a complete mixed martial artist. The fusion of his wrestling mastery and developing striking ability could present a new level of challenge for the division’s established veterans.
Training and Mentorship Behind Steveson’s MMA Preparation
Steveson’s training under coach Connor Person at La Bodega Fitness has been instrumental in refining his MMA techniques. Known for molding combat athletes, Person’s guidance is helping Steveson adapt from pure wrestling into a well-rounded fighter capable of competing at the highest levels. The Minnesota-based gym has become the backdrop for Steveson’s transformation, visible in the powerful and precise striking showcased online.
His association with elite fighters and coaches, including his previous collaboration with Jon Jones, puts Steveson in a prime position to accelerate his MMA readiness. Craig Jones’ positive remarks about Steveson’s training reflect the growing recognition from fighters across combat sports disciplines that Steveson possesses extraordinary potential to make an immediate impact once inside the cage.
The Future of the UFC Heavyweight Division With Steveson’s Arrival
Gable Steveson’s entry into the UFC heavyweight division promises to dramatically shift the competitive landscape. His skill set combined with his physical attributes presents a challenge few current fighters have faced. The buzz surrounding his challenge to Tom Aspinall and other veterans not only revives excitement but also fuels speculation about future matchups and title implications.
While the timeline for Steveson’s professional MMA debut remains uncertain, the implications of his move are clear: the heavyweight division must prepare for a new era shaped by a wrestler of exceptional caliber and ambition. As Steveson converts his wrestling dominance into MMA success, fans and fighters alike await the moment he officially enters the Octagon, potentially altering the heavyweight throne’s guard for years to come.