Gable Steveson is set to make waves in the combat sports arena as he prepares to step into the Dirty Boxing ring this Thursday for DBX 4 in Nashville. The Olympic gold medalist and accomplished wrestler made his highly anticipated MMA debut at LFA 217 in September, where he showcased his skills by securing a swift victory over Braden Peterson in just 98 seconds. This impressive start has opened up opportunities for the 25-year-old, leading him to headline an exciting event against Bellator veteran Billy Swanson.
Steveson, despite his decisive first bout, is eager to prove himself further and indicate his versatility in the octagon. “Of course, there’s so many places that I want to get better in, and that’s why I signed up for DBX 4, just because I want to answer those questions,” he expressed in an interview. He emphasizes his desire to demonstrate his striking skills in addition to his grappling capabilities, indicating he is ready to engage in stand-up exchanges.
Guided by the expertise of his coach, Jon Jones, Steveson is confident in his preparation and ability to tackle the unique challenges presented by Dirty Boxing. Notably, this custom ruleset restricts takedowns and imposes penalties for stalling in the clinch, marking a significant departure from traditional mixed martial arts formats, and this aspect adds an intriguing layer to his upcoming fight.
Reflecting on his journey, Steveson noted the unexpected but exciting opportunity that Dirty Boxing presents. “I think it’s a great opportunity to show the world that we need to answer questions,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to evolving as a fighter and displaying a complete skill set. Steveson’s goal is to engage in face-to-face combat, directly challenging his opponent and showcasing his readiness for any scenario in the ring.
Billy Swanson, a seasoned competitor with experience in organizations like Bellator, PFL, and BKFC, will be stepping into the ring with the hope of claiming an upset victory. However, he faces the daunting task of taking on a determined Steveson, who is eager to leave a lasting impression on the competition.
With both fighters looking to make a statement, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown that promises to captivate combat sports fans this Thursday. Steveson’s enthusiasm and ambition highlight a positive outlook for his burgeoning MMA career, as he aims to not only win but to showcase his growth as a versatile fighter.