UFC Signs Former WWE Star, Olympic Gold Medalist Wrestler

Gable Steveson brings impressive wrestling credentials to the Octagon

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:12pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic movements and collisions of a UFC heavyweight fight, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy, red, and silver colors.The UFC's signing of Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson signals a shift in the promotion's heavyweight division, with the potential for a new star to emerge through a cubist, geometric lens.Buffalo Today

Gable Steveson, a 25-year-old former WWE superstar and Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, has signed with the UFC and will make his debut during International Fight Week. Steveson, who had a brief stint in WWE after winning gold at the 2021 Olympics, is seen as a potential rising star in the UFC's heavyweight division.

Why it matters

The UFC has lacked true star power in the heavyweight division since the departures of former champions Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Steveson, with his impressive wrestling pedigree and athletic ability, could help fill that void and become a marquee name for the promotion.

The details

Steveson, a University of Minnesota alum, won an Olympic gold medal in wrestling and was the first signee of WWE's NIL program. He made a few appearances for WWE but never really made an impact as a pro wrestler. After a failed NFL stint with the Buffalo Bills, Steveson pivoted to mixed martial arts, compiling a 3-0 record in the Legacy Fighting Alliance before earning a UFC contract.

  • Steveson won an Olympic gold medal in 2021.
  • He signed a developmental deal with WWE in late 2021 and made a brief appearance at SummerSlam that August.
  • Steveson made his pro MMA debut for Legacy Fighting Alliance in 2023, winning his first three fights.
  • Steveson signed with the UFC in April 2026 and will make his debut during International Fight Week.

The players

Gable Steveson

A 25-year-old former WWE superstar and Olympic gold medalist wrestler who has signed with the UFC and will make his debut during International Fight Week.

Dana White

The president of the UFC who has signed Steveson to the promotion.

Jon Jones

A former UFC heavyweight champion who has departed the promotion, leaving a void in the division.

Tom Aspinall

The reigning UFC heavyweight champion, who has been sidelined due to an eye injury.

Anthony Cassar

A 2019 NCAA wrestling champion who has also transitioned to MMA, going 2-0 in his professional career.

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What’s next

Steveson will make his UFC debut during International Fight Week, which is a major annual event for the promotion.

The takeaway

The signing of Gable Steveson, a former WWE star and Olympic gold medalist wrestler, represents the UFC's effort to bolster its heavyweight division and attract new star power to the promotion.