Gable Steveson is once again back with Minnesota wrestling! The Gophers star had retired in 2022, dabbled with WWE and NFL, only to return to his home turf in 2024, to take advantage of a grace year thanks to COVID-19. Winning one match after another, Steveson put on a show like he never left. The wrestling phenom looked poised to lift his third NCAA title, but alas! Dealing a rough blow to his ambitions, Wyatt Hendrickson achieved the historic feat of defeating the Olympic champion 5-4. While his comeback did not turn out as expected, he is now back again to Minnesota. His agenda? Something entirely unexpected.

Even after his shocking defeat at the NCAA Wrestling Championship last month, the 24-year-old still has his goals clear in his mind. While Steveson has openly admitted his love for MMA, what he truly wants is to win another gold at the Olympics. Notably, when Gable did not participate in the Paris Olympics 2024 due to his commitment to WWE, the United States men’s freestyle team failed to secure a gold medal for the first time in the last 56 years.

“I do have goals in mind,” Steveson said when speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of his clash against Wyatt Hendrickson. “I would love to go to L.A. in 2028. Winning the Olympics in America would be such a big thing, especially having it in L.A. with magnitude of what L.A. is. That’s definitely a big part of why I came back to wrestle.” While Steveson has remained relatively under the radar since his loss in March, a recent development has brought the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist back to Minnesota.

In a recent development, the Indiana native could be seen spending time with budding wrestlers at the Gophers’ gym. Taking to his Instagram story, Steveson was spotted posing with a couple of young athletes. Donning a custom-made sweatshirt, Steveson looked pretty happy to devote his time to future generations. So why was Steveson back with the Minnesota kids all of a sudden? 

Well, as it can be learned from his stories, the Minnesota Gophers are all set to organize their second ‘Scrap Night,’ a fundraiser event to support their wrestling program and draw more audience. Posing with two young wrestlers, the veteran NCAA took to his Instagram to promote the event. Steveson wrote in his Instagram story, “This Friday we host our second @scrapnights Made for kids to immerse themselves in wrestling while testing their skills!” Looking at the talents in his gym, Steveson seemed confident about the quality of the athletes. He further wrote, “Come have a good time! See you then!”

Just three weeks back, Minnesota Scrap Nights issued their mission statement as well. “Our mission is to provide wrestlers across Minnesota with the opportunity to test their training in live, open-format matches. We bring together wrestlers from all schools and clubs to compete in a supportive, risk-free environment that focuses on growth over results. By fostering community of high-level competition and coaching, we aim to help wrestlers prepare for major tournaments and elevate Minnesota wrestling as a whole,” the statement read.

Given Gable Steveson’s reputation in the NCAA wrestling circuit, it won’t be a surprise if the Scrap Night at Minnesota ends up being a roaring success. But beyond helping budding wrestlers reach their fullest potential, there are other exciting things in store for the Minnesota Gophers star!

Gable Steveson plots UFC leap with Jon Jones in his corner

Gable Steveson is officially on the cusp of stepping into the UFC Octagon. And he’s not doing it alone. After a shocking loss in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships finals, the Olympic gold medalist is charting a new course. And if there’s one name lighting the path, it’s UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

While Steveson had been scheduled to face grappling maestro Craig Jones at the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational, those plans are suddenly on ice. His eyes now appear firmly set on the UFC. “I would love to step in the Octagon, you know? I mean, that’s the best thing for me,” Steveson revealed, confirming his commitment to leveling up with striking and all-around combat finesse. His goal? To evolve beyond just a decorated wrestler into a dominant mixed martial artist.

At the center of his transition is Jon Jones, who has not only trained with Gable but also openly credited him for playing a “monumental” role in his own preparation for the Stipe Miočić bout. Steveson echoed the mutual respect, saying, “If you know Jon, he is one of a kind. He is a one-of-a-kind human being. He means well. I’m blessed to have him in the corner.” With Jones guiding the move, Gable Steveson’s UFC arrival may shake up the heavyweight division sooner than expected.