Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, is officially set to make his professional MMA debut next month. The 25-year-old athlete will compete at LFA 217, scheduled for September 12, marking a significant step as he pursues a career in mixed martial arts after various earlier attempts in other sports.
Steveson, widely considered one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation, has made clear his commitment to MMA after spending considerable time training alongside Jon Jones during UFC 309 camp preparations. His transition from wrestling follows detours in his career, including unsuccessful brief pursuits in WWE and the NFL, but his athletic talent and wrestling credentials provide a strong foundation for his new path.
LFA, known for shaping top fighters who later join the UFC, announced that Steveson will face Braden Peterson, a 37-year-old who debuted his professional MMA career in 2025 with a swift 14-second knockout win over Chris Thompson at Montana’s Fusion Fight League. Steveson’s debut will take place at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Background and Experience Leading to Steveson’s MMA Entry
Before committing fully to MMA, Steveson had explored alternatives outside wrestling, including entertainment and football careers, but those pursuits did not develop as hoped. Now, with enough time to refine striking, grappling, and overall MMA skills, his elite wrestling background is expected to be a major advantage.
His connection to Jon Jones, an iconic figure in UFC history, has generated considerable anticipation around his debut. Fans and analysts alike have observed Jones’ recent career uncertainty amid his retirement and UFC return talks, yet Steveson’s rise seems clear and purposeful despite this context.
Public Reaction and Expectations for Steveson’s MMA Career
The announcement of Steveson’s MMA debut sparked significant excitement online, reflecting hope that he might quickly make waves in the heavyweight division. Observers praised his athleticism and wrestling pedigree, suggesting these could translate into early MMA success. Many assume LFA will provide the groundwork before a future UFC transition.
Fans expressed strong optimism, citing the current heavyweight division’s lack of standout challengers. Some voices noted that if Tom Aspinall, a promising UFC heavyweight, overcomes Ciryl Gane, the division might face an absence of exciting contenders, creating an opening for Steveson to rise rapidly.
Comments ranged from endorsements of his championship potential to comparisons with notable crossover athletes:
“He can be a champion immediately.” —Anonymous Fan
“This is very interesting because the UFC heavyweight division right now is dog s—. If [Tom] Aspinall beats [Ciryl] Gane there is nobody exciting for him to fight. He’s already beaten everyone. If Gable can get into the UFC, he’d only need a couple of wins before he can get a title shot.” —Anonymous Fan
“Heavyweight needs this.” —Anonymous Fan
“Exciting. He’s an athletic heavyweight.” —Anonymous Fan
“LFA heavyweights are in trouble.” —Anonymous Fan
“Dude tryna be the next Brock [Lesnar] lol.” —Anonymous Fan
How Steveson’s Debut Could Shape the Future of Heavyweight MMA
Steveson’s entry into MMA with the backing and training alongside Jon Jones elevates expectations for his career trajectory. Given his Olympic pedigree and youth, he represents a fresh injection of talent and excitement into the heavyweight ranks, which have faced criticism for a perceived lack of depth and star power in recent months.
As he develops his skills beyond wrestling, Steveson’s performance at LFA 217 will be watched closely by fans, promoters, and fighters alike, as it could influence rankings and future fight bookings. His success or struggles may serve as a bellwether for elite wrestling’s continued impact on MMA and the shape of heavyweight competition moving forward.