If Mick Maynard and Dana White play their playing cards proper, the UFC heavyweight division would possibly simply have a brand new gem on its fingers. Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson made a press release in his DBX debut, and now he’s already eyeing the brilliant lights of the Octagon. At DBX 4 in Nashville, the American powerhouse knocked out Billy Swanson in simply 13 seconds, delivering a jaw-dropping end that despatched shockwaves via the world. With a particular visitor watching from the gang, Steveson wasted no time throwing his hat into the UFC ring.
Gable Steveson Stuns the MMA World With Knockout Win Over Billy Swanson in Nashville
Gable Steveson, who has a single official MMA battle on his document, regarded calm and assured proper from the opening bell. He instantly closed the space, snapping a jab into Swanson’s face earlier than touchdown a devastating uppercut that despatched his opponent crashing to the canvas.
The Olympic gold medalist rapidly adopted up with a flurry of standing strikes till referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the competition. This dominant 13-second knockout improved Steveson’s fight sports activities document to 2-0, constructing on his first-round win over Braden Peterson at LFA 217 in September.
GABLE STEVESON 13 SECOND KNOCKOUT IN HIS DIRTY BOXING DEBUT!!!! #DBX4 pic.twitter.com/9P7TPGnWGa
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 31, 2025
After years of hinting at a transfer to MMA, the extremely embellished wrestler is losing no time making his mark. Following the win, Steveson took the mic and known as out UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, who was in attendance in Tennessee for the night time.
Steveson advised Jason Anik, “I believe a particular visitor was right here to kinda watch me, however I’m simply undecided the place he’s.”
UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard was in attendance for Gable Steveson’s first spherical knockout at #DBX4
“Mick, you’ve seen a little bit bit. I’d love to point out much more.” 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/TFdye0CRI0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 31, 2025
He added, “His identify is Mick Maynard with the UFC. And he’s proper there. So Mick, you’ve seen a little bit bit. I might love to point out much more. And hopefully you imagine in me and I recognize you.”
Jon Jones Opens Up About Mentoring Gable Steveson and Taking the Olympian Underneath His Wing
Including much more intrigue to Steveson’s journey is his reference to Jon Jones, extensively thought of the best MMA fighter of all time. Jones has taken the Olympian beneath his wing, famously calling him a human cheat code.
The truth is, Jones as soon as predicted that Steveson would finally turn out to be a UFC champion, writing on social media, “I discovered my man and I’m excited so as to add world championship coach to my resume.”
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For these unfamiliar, Steveson’s athletic path has been something however odd. After successful Olympic gold in 2020, he returned to varsity to make use of his last 12 months of eligibility earlier than signing a profitable take care of WWE. Nevertheless, his time in skilled wrestling didn’t go as deliberate, and he was finally launched from his contract.
Not one to surrender simply, Steveson then tried his hand at soccer, becoming a member of the Buffalo Payments for his or her 2024 coaching camp regardless of by no means having performed the game earlier than. He didn’t make the ultimate roster however did obtain curiosity in becoming a member of the follow squad.
As a substitute, he selected to return to the College of Minnesota to wrestle one last season. However that resulted in a surprising defeat on the 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Nationwide Championships in March. And for a time, many puzzled what Steveson’s subsequent transfer can be.
However after his explosive victory at DBX 4, it appears the 25-year-old could have lastly discovered his true calling, and if this efficiency is any indication, the world of MMA may need simply found its subsequent large heavyweight star.
