Gable Steveson, a highly successful amateur wrestler who recently had a brief run as a WWE Superstar, is now exploring the possibility of transitioning into a career as a mixed martial artist. The 23-year-old, who won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is reportedly training with elite MMA trainer Henri Hooft and former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at Kill Cliff FC. This move suggests a seriousness in Steveson’s interest in pursuing MMA.
With multiple options available to him, Steveson’s representation has been contacted by “multiple NFL teams” interested in giving him a shot at training camp. Another possibility for Steveson is to return to collegiate wrestling for another year, where NIL deals could provide him with an opportunity to earn money while continuing to compete in the sport where he has made a name for himself. However, the pathway to MMA seems like a natural progression for Steveson, given his wrestling background and athletic abilities.
As Steveson considers his next move, he could potentially compete in either the heavyweight or light heavyweight divisions in MMA. His elite wrestling skills and quick-twitch athleticism suggest that he could make an immediate impact in the sport. While the UFC, as the top MMA organization in the world, is seen as a possible landing spot for Steveson, it would also mean diving into the deep end of the pool at the beginning of his MMA career. However, there is a blueprint that Steveson could follow based on the success of fellow collegiate wrestler Bo Nickal, who started his pro MMA journey and has since achieved a 6-0 record as a professional.
Alternatively, Steveson could begin his MMA career with organizations like the Professional Fighters League or Bellator, where he may not receive as much attention initially but could gain valuable experience before potentially moving on to the UFC. This path has recently been taken by another former Olympian, Kayla Harrison, who made a successful debut in the UFC. While it’s still early in Steveson’s potential MMA career, his presence in the MMA world is generating excitement, and his progress will be closely watched in the coming months to see how he transitions from wrestling to MMA and how he navigates his way through the competitive landscape of the sport.
