Olympic champion Gable Steveson, after exploring opportunities in WWE and NFL, is focusing on his final college wrestling season at the University of Minnesota while considering a future in MMA, inspired by training with Jon Jones, and aims for a potential run at the 2028 Olympics.
Olympic champion Gable Steveson, after clinching gold in 2021, finds himself with numerous paths to tread. As he returns to the University of Minnesota for his final year of eligibility, his options remain plentiful.
Recently, Steveson dipped his toes into WWE and even tried out football with the Buffalo Bills during the NFL preseason. At 24, he also emerged as a key training partner for Jon Jones, prepping him for UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic. Training with someone often hailed as the GOAT has solidified his interest in MMA.
“I do have goals in mind,” Steveson shared with MMA Fighting. He dreams of competing in the 2028 Olympics in L.A., a city with its own grandeur. Wrestling remains a passion, but the allure of MMA is hard to resist.
The gloves? They fit perfectly. Mixing wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu ignited something within him. “It lit a fire under me,” he confessed. His time at Jones’ camp was transformative.
Steveson’s bond with Jones isn’t new; it dates back years. He planned to assist Jones earlier, but a torn pectoral muscle delayed those plans until now.
Once the fight was rescheduled, Steveson eagerly joined Jones’ camp, diving into MMA training alongside top coaches and partners. It was an eye-opener.
Reflecting on his experience, Steveson said it was an honor to contribute to such a flawless performance. The knockout and spinning back kick were executed brilliantly by Jones and his team.
While in Albuquerque, he embraced MMA training wholeheartedly. Every drill fueled his enthusiasm. Time is on his side, allowing him to hone these newfound skills.
For now, though, college wrestling takes precedence. Steveson started strong, dominating his first two matches with a combined score of 38-7.
He aims to stay busy post-college. Balancing MMA training while preparing for the 2028 Olympics is on his radar. “Combining both would be great,” he mused.
Before returning to college, Steveson considered the 2024 Olympics but decided against it due to timing issues. Without him, Team USA struggled in wrestling—a rare occurrence since 1968.
Watching from afar, Steveson felt mixed emotions about America’s performance. The heavyweight division is unpredictable; Geno Petriashvili’s victory was proof enough.
Back in full-time wrestling mode, Steveson hopes to reclaim his throne and vie for another gold medal in 2028. “Heavyweight wrestling needs Gable,” he declared confidently.
Even amidst wrestling season, he’s committed to incorporating MMA training into his routine. His time at Kill Cliff FC in Florida further enriched his skill set.
While an immediate MMA career isn’t on the horizon, Steveson assures fans it’s coming eventually—and expects success akin to his wrestling triumphs.
“Wrestling translates well to MMA,” he noted optimistically. With boxing practice under his belt from training camps with Jon Jones, he’s preparing diligently for this transition.
Steveson believes in becoming the best by facing and beating the best. His journey is just beginning—who knows where it will lead?