Key Highlights
- Gable Steveson, former Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCCAA national titles winner, aims for star status in MMA.
- Steveson will headline DBX 4 at The Pinnacle in Nashville on October 30 against Billy Swanson.
- Jon Jones is training Steveson to be a top MMA fighter and will be ringside for his upcoming fight.
- Steveson seeks to add a championship belt to his trophy case while aiming for stardom in the sport.
Gable Steveson’s Journey from Wrestling to MMA
Former Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is making waves in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), setting his sights on becoming a star in the sport. Having previously dominated wrestling, earning an Olympic gold and two NCCAA national titles during his collegiate career at Minnesota, Steveson now aims to replicate that success in MMA.
Preparation for His MMA Debut
The transition from wrestling to MMA is a significant leap for any athlete. Steveson has found an unlikely ally and mentor in Jon Jones, the UFC Hall of Famer who is known for his relentless training regimen. According to Steveson, Jones played a crucial role in preparing him for his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title in 2024.
“I feel like I gave him a good spark,” Jones said. “We committed every day to making sure we beat this guy and this is how we’re going to beat him.”
Aiming for Star Status with Dirty Boxing Championship
Steveson’s next step in his MMA journey will be headlining DBX 4 at The Pinnacle on October 30, where he’ll face Billy Swanson. This fight is part of the Dirty Boxing Championship, a promotion co-owned by Jones and aimed at showcasing up-and-coming talent.
Steveson’s goal is not just to win but to become a dominant force in the sport. “What I’ve tried to do with wrestling is be the sport,” he said. “MMA, I want to be MMA. Sometimes those people are larger than life and I always want to be that figure that (people say), ‘Hey, this guy can be larger than life, but also if you see him in person, man he’s a real good dude, he’s cool, he’s humble, he’s nice.’”
Implications for MMA and Steveson’s Future
The move from wrestling to MMA is a strategic one for Steveson. At 25 years old, he believes his prime athletic years are ahead of him, allowing him to combine his wrestling skills with improved striking and grappling techniques. His goal is to become a complete fighter who can dominate in both the clinch and on the feet.
“And now at Dirty Boxing I can show the hands and show everybody that I can be a complete package,” Steveson added. “At this age, it’s going to be crazy and should be scary to a lot of other guys.”
This fight against Billy Swanson will serve as a test for Steveson’s transformation from a wrestling champion to an MMA star. With the support of Jon Jones and the backing of Dirty Boxing Championship, there is no doubt that fans are eager to see what Steveson has in store.
