The UFC Can’t Afford to Miss Out on Gable Steveson
After losing in the NCAA Wrestling Heavyweight Championship fight this past weekend in a stunning upset, many are questioning what’s next for Gable Steveson. The two-time NCAA champion and Olympic Gold Medalist has been weighing his career options after an illustrious wrestling journey. Still only 24 years old, Gable has plenty of time to remain highly competitive and has expressed interest in several professional sports, including WWE, the NFL, and the UFC. A few years ago, Dana White and Gable had preliminary conversations about a potential future in MMA. Now that Gable’s college wrestling career is officially over, Dana White needs to seize this opportunity before another organization snatches him up.
A fighter like Gable Steveson would be a valuable addition to any division, but the heavyweight class is in dire need of fresh talent and exciting prospects. The heavyweight division currently has the shallowest roster of all the men’s divisions in the UFC, with only six fighters under the age of 30. While there are some promising prospects, such as Tallison Teixeira and Mario Pinto, both fighters are still largely unproven in the UFC. Each of them has only secured one win over non-ranked opponents. Another rising contender, Mick Parkin, recently lost to Marcin Tybura by decision after failing to show enough speed and power to impress the judges. Given the division's lack of young, exciting talent, adding an athlete of Gable’s caliber would inject much-needed energy and competition into the heavyweight ranks.
Even though Gable Steveson has never fought in a cage and his striking ability remains untested, his wrestling credentials and athleticism alone are enough to warrant a shot against lower-ranked UFC heavyweights. History has shown that collegiate and Olympic-level wrestlers often succeed in the UFC, with names like Henry Cejudo and Daniel Cormier becoming champions. Current UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal has also enjoyed early success, leveraging his wrestling base to beat his opponents. However, it’s important to note that while Gable’s wrestling background provides a strong foundation, success in MMA requires more than just elite wrestling. The transition from wrestling to MMA demands an evolution in striking, cage control, and game planning—skills that take time to develop. Nevertheless, Gable’s natural athleticism and work ethic position him well to make that transition successfully.
That said, Gable’s ceiling is incredibly high. With proper training in striking and strategy, he has the potential to evolve into a legitimate contender in the future. His massive social media following also makes him a marketing dream for the UFC, bringing much-needed attention to a division that has been lacking star power. Missing out on signing Gable Steveson would be devastating for the UFC, especially if he decides to pursue a career in WWE. Adding Gable would not only inject excitement into the heavyweight division but also help revitalize interest in one of the UFC’s most historic divisions. If Dana White wants to strengthen the UFC’s heavyweight ranks and secure a future star, he cannot afford to let Gable Steveson slip away.
