Olympic gold medalist and amateur wrestler Gable Steveson’s career has taken a new turn after his release from the WWE. The 23-year-old is now reportedly considering a career in mixed martial arts and has been training with MMA trainer Henri Hooft and former UFC champion Robbie Lawler at Kill Cliff FC. This shift comes after Steveson’s impressive success in wrestling, including two Division 1 wrestling championships and three Big Ten titles.
With his elite wrestling skills and quick-twitch athleticism, Steveson has the potential to make a significant impact in MMA, whether at heavyweight or light heavyweight. While the UFC may be the ultimate goal for many fighters, Steveson has various options to consider, including potential opportunities in the NFL and collegiate wrestling. Training with experienced professionals like Hooft and Lawler indicates Steveson’s serious interest in pursuing a career in MMA.
If Steveson does decide to sign with the UFC, he would be entering a highly competitive environment right from the start of his MMA career. However, there is a potential blueprint for success based on the experience of fellow collegiate wrestler Bo Nickal, who has gone on to have a successful professional MMA career after starting with just one fight. Steveson, being two years younger than Nickal when he began his pro MMA journey, may follow a slightly different path in his career.
Alternatively, Steveson could consider starting his MMA career with organizations like the Professional Fighters League or Bellator before making the jump to the UFC. This strategy has proven successful for other athletes, such as Kayla Harrison, who recently made a successful debut at UFC 300. While Steveson’s entry into the MMA world is still in its early stages, it presents an intriguing and exciting development to watch in the coming months.
As a highly accomplished wrestler, Steveson’s transition to MMA offers a unique opportunity to showcase his skills in a new arena. The combination of his wrestling background and athletic abilities could make him a formidable force in the sport. Whether he chooses to pursue opportunities in the NFL, collegiate wrestling, or dive straight into the UFC, Steveson’s potential in MMA is worth keeping an eye on as he navigates his next career move. Ultimately, his dedication and talent could lead to a successful transition to a new and challenging sport.
