Gable Steveson, the former Olympic gold medalist, is set to headline DBX 4 on October 30 in Nashville at The Pinnacle as he continues his journey in mixed martial arts (MMA). Steveson aims not only for victory but for stardom in the sport, training with legendary fighter Jon Jones.
Having excelled in wrestling, securing an Olympic gold medal and two NCCAA national titles, Steveson is now bringing that competitive edge into the MMA arena. He aspires to become a prominent figure in the sport, stating, “What I’ve tried to do with wrestling is be the sport, and MMA, I want to be MMA.” He envisions becoming someone that fans consider both larger than life and relatable: “… a real good dude, he’s cool, he’s humble, he’s nice. But when it’s time for showtime, you know we need to watch him.”
Jones, recognized as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, will be present at ringside during Steveson’s bout against Billy Swanson. Their partnership comes as no surprise; Jones has admired Steveson’s wrestling prowess throughout his collegiate career. As they prepare for Jones’ title fight against Stipe Miocic in 2024, Steveson has become an integral part of the training camp, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and shared expertise.
Steveson expressed his confidence, saying, “I think I’m at a prime age for heavyweight … being able to have the athleticism and that pop … at Dirty Boxing I can show the hands and show everybody that I can be a complete package.” His introduction to MMA has been promising; he made a striking debut by finishing Braden Peterson in just over 90 seconds at LFA 217 in September.
As he approaches his next challenge, Steveson is focused on creating a lasting impression on fans: “That’s always been my thing, how can I make the person that has never seen Gable Steveson before want to watch him again.” His aim is not only to engage new audiences but to demonstrate his dominance in the octagon repeatedly. With his ambition, training, and recent successes, Steveson is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the world of MMA.