Gable Steveson Expresses Interest In UFC Career

Gable Steveson Expresses Interest In UFC Career

University of Minnesota wrestler Gable Steveson has expressed interest in joining the UFC. Now that his collegiate eligibility has expired, the Olympic Gold medalist is exploring avenues outside wrestling.

At the 2025 NCAA Division 1 National Championships, Steveson’s collegiate wrestling career ended in devastating fashion as Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson landed a takedown with 30 seconds left in the match to secure a 5-4 victory. The outcome will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in college wrestling history.

Steveson discussed his future options on The Pat McAfee Show. All quotes via MMAFighting.

“What’s next for me is I’ve been boxing, I’ve been putting on the gloves, doing jiu-jitsu classes, trying to get ready for an MMA career or right after I stepped off the mats Saturday night, just a couple of calls from a few new teams in the NFL,” Steveson said. “The roads just keep opening and I’m just so happy that I can go out there and put on my best performance.

Steveson has attempted to reach the highest level in multiple different sports. He has competed on the World Senior Wrestling circuit, signed with the Buffalo Bills during training camp, and joined the WWE.

Steveson has had a historic wrestling career. At 24 years old, he is an Olympic Gold medalist, two-time NCAA National Champion, five-time NCAA All-American, and two-time Hodge Trophy winner. If he opts to transition to MMA, his wrestling skills will immediately transfer.

It appears like Steveson understands he has MMA skills to learn before he can begin competing at a high level. More importantly, he has surrounded himself with fighters who can help him learn those skills.

“Just making sure I can get my hands certified and ready,” Steveson said. “Just making sure that I can see punches coming and make sure that I’m comfortable in the cage and comfortable with guys in front of me that are going to be throwing huge haymakers and getting in and getting out of the way. I’ve got a great mentor right now, I hope a lot of people know a guy named Jon Jones — just a fantastic dude and the greatest fighter of all time. He’s pretty damn good.

“I appreciate his efforts of trying to lead me into the right direction and kind of taking my back and giving me the direction that I need. I’m really young and he’s been there and done that before so I’m really appreciative of how he’s kind of walked my steps leading into this next chapter, if that’s what it is.”

Steveson has not guaranteed a move to MMA will be the next step in his career; however, he is interested in taking the steps required to get to the octagon. That includes a sit-down with UFC CEO Dana White.

“I think that’s the best outlet for amateur wrestlers overall,” Steveson said. “I have not spoken to Dana personally. That’s one meeting I would love to have face-to-face. I’ve been waiting a long time to see him.

“I know after the 2021 Olympics, he reached out and wanted me to come see him in Vegas and everything else. That’s one meeting that I would love to have and love to see. If I can get in front of his face and really pitch who I am and pitch who he can see and who I will be, I think that would be the greatest thing.”

Steveson does not have to make any hard commitments about his future anytime soon. If anything, the opposite is better. It would be reasonable for him to attempt to make an NFL roster this upcoming season and transition to MMA if he is cut. It would not hurt him to put MMA on the back burner for six months while pursuing a different sport.

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