Olympian Gable Steveson Calls Out UFC Boss After Spectacular Dirty Boxing Performance

Olympic medalist Gable Steveson makes a plea to UFC brass Mick Maynard after a dominant Dirty Boxing debut.

Olympian Gable Steveson Calls Out UFC Boss After Spectacular Dirty Boxing Performance

Gable Steveson has a proposal for Mick Maynard (via MMA Fighting, X)

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The trajectory of Gable Steveson has followed multiple paths across the sports world, each raising questions about his ultimate destination. He has moved from amateur wrestling dominance into worlds as varied as professional wrestling, football, and now mixed martial arts. The Olympic gold medalist recently called out UFC matchmaker and Dana White‘s right hand, Mick Maynard, at Dirty Boxing 4.

Steveson first entered public conversation as a premier collegiate and Olympic wrestler. He captured the gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and attained multiple NCAA Division I national championships while at the University of Minnesota. However, his transition from pure amateur wrestling into other sports began when he signed an exclusive agreement with WWE in 2021.

Amidst the cross-sport experiments, his interest in and preparation for MMA have grown steadily. He underwent training with former champion Jon Jones and spent time honing striking and cage skills, signalling that his wrestling background might be leveraged into an MMA transition. Steveson recently defeated Billy Swanson with a swift knockout and made his case to Maynard in his debut in Dirty Boxing.

I think a special guest was here to come watch me, Mick, you’ve seen a little bit. I would love to show a lot more. Hopefully, you believe in me, and I appreciate you.

Gable Steveson via Dirty Boxing

Steveson signed to the WWE under a talent deal that allowed him to continue his NCAA competition while preparing for pro wrestling entertainment. In 2024, he drew attention by signing with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL as a defensive tackle despite having no football experience. However, he made his MMA debut under the Minnesota-based promotion LFA and defeated Braden Peterson in the first round.

Throughout 2024 and early 2025, Steveson was frequently seen at major UFC events, adding to speculation about a potential debut. By June 2025, reports indicated that he had everything in place for his first MMA appearance. He has also credited Jon Jones as the main inspiration behind his move to the sport, having trained with and learned from the former champion.

Gable Steveson’s rise now carries broader significance for both the UFC and combat sports as a whole. His success could mark one of the most seamless transitions from Olympic wrestling to professional fighting, following in the footsteps of legends who bridged the gap between the mat and the cage. With Mick Maynard already showing visible interest, the groundwork appears set for a major signing.

Gable Steveson reveals why he fought at DBX4 after successful MMA debut

The decision by Gable Steveson to compete at DBX 4 came shortly after his impressive professional MMA debut at LFA 217, where he stopped his opponent in 98 seconds. The move to DBX 4 represents a shift into a custom ruleset where takedowns are prohibited and stalling in the clinch is penalised, which is an environment that challenges Steveson’s elite wrestling background.

Gable Steveson
Gable Steveson (via X)

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Steveson indicated that the decision to enter DBX 4 was motivated by a desire to broaden his skill set rather than build on the success of his debut. The Olympian had already shown proficiency in takedowns, ground control, and short-notice transition at LFA 217. It sought the next test in striking and clinch-free scenarios to prove his versatility.

Of course, there’s so many places that I want to get better in, and that’s why I signed up for DBX 4, just because I want to answer those questions. You saw a fast takedown. You saw ground and pound, you saw elbows, and how about [now] let’s put it on the feet? Let’s put the hands on the feet. Let’s put the elbows on the feet. Let’s have this guy fall in a round and get on top of him and take care of business.

Gable Steveson via MMA Fighting

Making his Dirty Boxing debut under these modified rules, Steveson made an instant statement by knocking out his opponent in just 13 seconds. The emphatic finish underscored both his growing power and his readiness to compete under diverse combat conditions. The rapid victory added another layer to his expanding resume and strengthened the belief that Steveson’s transition to MMA.

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