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Apple Valley Today
By the People, for the People
Gable Steveson Signs UFC Contract, Set for Debut
Former NCAA and Olympic wrestling champion transitions to MMA with UFC deal
Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:38pm
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Steveson's transition from elite collegiate and Olympic wrestler to MMA fighter is the latest example of the growing crossover between the two sports.Apple Valley TodayGable Steveson, the former University of Minnesota wrestling standout with two national titles and an Olympic gold medal, has signed a contract with the UFC and is set to make his promotional debut at UFC 329 in July. Steveson, who has also had stints in the WWE and NFL, is considered one of the highest-profile prospects to join the UFC in recent memory due to his decorated wrestling background and close friendship with MMA legend Jon Jones.
Why it matters
Steveson's transition from elite collegiate and Olympic wrestler to MMA fighter is the latest example of the growing crossover between the two sports. His signing with the UFC adds another high-caliber athlete to the promotion's heavyweight division and could pave the way for more elite wrestlers to try their hand at professional MMA.
The details
After a standout wrestling career at the University of Minnesota that included two NCAA titles and two Dan Hodge Trophies, Steveson briefly joined the WWE and had a tryout with the NFL's Buffalo Bills before turning his attention to MMA. He made his professional MMA debut in September 2025 and has since compiled a 3-0 record on the regional circuit, along with a boxing victory over Billy Swanson. Steveson's close relationship with Jon Jones, who has been training him at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy, has helped accelerate his MMA development and led to the UFC opportunity.
- Steveson will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas.
- Steveson signed his UFC contract on April 12, 2026.
The players
Gable Steveson
A former NCAA wrestling champion and Olympic gold medalist who has now signed with the UFC and will make his promotional debut this summer.
Jon Jones
A legendary MMA fighter who has been training Steveson at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy and helping him transition to professional mixed martial arts.
Billy Swanson
An opponent Steveson defeated in a custom rules boxing match in October 2025 as part of his professional combat sports career.
What they’re saying
“Steveson has all the traits and skills to quickly leave his mark on the sport. Training with Jones at Jackson Wink MMA Academy in New Mexico has and will help him refine his MMA skills.”
— Tony Liebert, Sports Writer
What’s next
Steveson's first opponent in the UFC has not yet been announced, but he is expected to quickly climb the heavyweight rankings given his elite wrestling pedigree and training with Jon Jones.
The takeaway
Steveson's signing with the UFC represents the continued blending of elite wrestling and MMA, as more top-tier wrestlers seek to translate their skills to the professional fighting world. His friendship and training with Jon Jones could accelerate his development and make him an immediate contender in the heavyweight division.
