Gable Steveson stands as one of the most accomplished heavyweight wrestlers of his generation, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division I champion whose athletic prowess has drawn comparisons to combat sports legends. His dominance on the mat, characterized by explosive takedowns and technical superiority, has made him a figure of intense interest across multiple sports, including professional wrestling and the NFL. Now, as he prepares for his professional mixed martial arts debut at LFA 217 on September 12, 2025, against Braden Peterson, the combat sports world is abuzz with speculation about his potential in the UFC.

Steveson’s transition to MMA represents not only a personal challenge but also a test of whether his elite wrestling pedigree can translate to success in a sport where versatility and adaptability are paramount. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, host Andrew Whitelaw sat down with Rutgers’ Tahir Parkins, and delved into Steveson’s UFC prospects, offering a nuanced perspective on his potential and the challenges he faces.

Whitelaw opened the discussion by highlighting Steveson’s unparalleled achievements in wrestling, referencing his dominant performance against Ben Kueter, a highly-touted Iowa heavyweight. That match, which Steveson won with a technical superiority score of 19-3 in the first period, exemplified the sheer athleticism and control that have defined his career. However, Parkins tempered this optimism with a dose of reality, emphasizing that MMA is a different beast, where wrestling alone is insufficient for guaranteed success.

Parkins’ caution is rooted in the inherent unpredictability of heavyweight MMA, a division where every fighter possesses the power to end a bout with a single strike. “He’s a freak athlete. I’ll give you that. He is a freak athlete,” acknowledged Parkins, but pointed out that the transition requires more than just raw athleticism.

“Like I said, MMA it’s a whole another world of combat sports. It’s a mix of everything,” continued Parkins. “Do I think he can do well under the right training? A hundred percent, just because of the way he, you know, how he is as an athlete, but it’s hard to say, especially at like a heavyweight, you know, everyone has power.”

This sentiment is echoed by Steveson’s own preparations, which have included boxing and jiu-jitsu classes, as well as mentorship from UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Jones’ involvement is particularly significant, as he represents the gold standard in MMA adaptability, having successfully integrated his wrestling base with striking and tactical intelligence. Steveson’s training at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas further suggests he is surrounding himself with the resources needed to bridge the gap between wrestling and MMA.

“Everyone has power at heavyweight, you know, get, you know, get clipped one time and you can go down. But I think with the, you know, right training, which I think he’ll do, and all that, right team and stuff, I think he could perform really well in the UFC,” said Parkins.

Indeed, sports can be quite unpredictable. Even if Gable Steveson is an Olympic gold medalist, he wasn’t able to secure the 2025 NCAA championship. Steveson lost to Oklahoma State University’s Wyatt Hendrickson in the finals, in a shock upset, ending his 67-match winning streak. However, this defeat, while disappointing, has not diminished Steveson’s confidence or ambition.

This resilience could be a critical asset in MMA, where mental toughness is as important as physical skill. His athleticism and wrestling pedigree make him a compelling prospect for the UFC, particularly in a heavyweight division that lacks young, exciting talent. Moreover, his massive social media following and marketability could inject much-needed energy into the division, attracting new fans and elevating the profile of the sport. However, Steveson must prove he can adapt to the multifaceted demands of MMA.

As Parkins succinctly put it, the question is not whether Gable Steveson has the talent to succeed, but whether he can navigate the complexities of a sport where there’s no lack of power and one mistake can change everything. The combat sports world will be watching closely as he takes his first step into the cage, eager to see if the next great heavyweight star has arrived.