Ex-WWE Star Gable Steveson Set for Second UFC Fight at UFC 331
Gable Steveson is already booked for his second UFC fight. The former WWE star currently holds an MMA record of 4-0 and made his UFC debut at UFC 329, where he defeated Elisha Ellison.
Steveson entered that fight with a lot of attention because of his wrestling background and unbeaten record. His performance showed why he has so much potential in MMA. However, it also raised some questions about improvements he has to make as he adapts to the sport.
And Steveson will not have to wait long for another chance.
The former Olympic gold medalist will step back into the Octagon for his second UFC fight when he takes on Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 on September 19.
Sharaf comes into the fight with a 4-2 professional MMA record. For Steveson, the matchup is a chance to keep the momentum going after his first victory. His wrestling has already given him a strong base for MMA. However, as he faces tougher opponents, other parts of his game will become even more important.
Steveson will be back in action less than two months after his UFC debut. The quick turnaround also suggests that the company wants to keep one of its most recognizable heavyweight prospects active.
Before making the move to MMA, Steveson won the 125-kilogram freestyle wrestling gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after the Games were delayed from 2020. He sealed the gold medal with a dramatic finish in the final.
His college career was just as impressive. While wrestling for the University of Minnesota, Steveson won two NCAA Division I national championships and also took home the Dan Hodge Trophy twice.
After his Olympic success, Steveson signed with WWE in 2021. The company saw him as a potential crossover star and compared his path to that of Olympic wrestling legend Kurt Angle. Steveson eventually made his WWE TV debut against Baron Corbin at NXT The Great American Bash in 2023.
However, his WWE run did not turn out the way many expected. He struggled to connect with fans, and WWE released him in May 2024.
Soon after leaving WWE, he signed with the Buffalo Bills despite having no previous organized football experience. Steveson played in three preseason games, recording 14 snaps, three tackles and two quarterback hits before being waived in August 2024.
MMA has since looked like a much more natural fit for him.
