Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is focused on winning his third NCAA Wrestling Championship for the University of Minnesota this weekend.
Looking beyond wrestling, Steveson, 24, is considering a move to MMA, potentially after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He gained valuable experience training with Jon Jones for his fight against Stipe Miocic, which further fueled his MMA aspirations.
Steveson brings a champion’s mentality to all his athletic pursuits and expects to excel when he enters the world of MMA.
“I’m young and driven,” Steveson told MMA Fighting. “I want to be the best at everything I do.”
While many wrestlers transition to MMA, rapid success isn’t guaranteed for everyone.
Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA champion, has experienced an exceptionally fast rise in MMA. With a perfect 7-0 record, including four UFC wins, Nickal is scheduled for his fifth UFC fight in May against Reinier de Ridder.
Despite the intense spotlight, Nickal has thrived and is widely expected to contend for UFC gold.
Steveson is impressed by Nickal’s success, seeing him as a role model for wrestlers entering MMA.
“Bo is incredible,” Steveson said. “He has an impressive presence, and his wrestling credentials speak for themselves. He has all the tools to become a champion.”
“His style is unique, and his takedowns are highly effective in the UFC. His cage control is also developing well. As he faces tougher opponents, his wrestling background and transition skills will be crucial.”
Besides training with Jones, Steveson previously trained at Kill Cliff FC in Florida, alongside fighters like Michael Chandler, Gilbert Burns, and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Steveson is yet to fully commit to MMA but hopes to replicate Nickal’s rapid progress once he does.
“I’ll let people judge my talent, but personally, I believe I can compete with anyone, anytime,” Steveson stated. “Right now, I think I can hold my own and perform well.”
“When the time is right, the door to MMA will open, and I’m confident I’ll succeed and progress quickly in that field.”
Currently, Steveson is focused on winning his third NCAA title, starting strong with a pin and another dominant win to reach the quarterfinals.
