Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is about to add to his trophy case this weekend as he competes in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship, where he is about to become a three-time University of Minnesota champion.
But beyond wrestling aspirations, including a potential trip back to the Olympics in 2028, when the events landed in Los Angeles in 2028, the now 24-year-old athletic phenom continues to tease his transition to MMA. He’s always talked about fighting, but Steveson has taken a big step in that regard in the past year that he’s been a integral part of John Jones’ training camp, preparing for his fight against Stipe Myosic.
Steveson approaches all movement efforts with the same championship mindset and hopes for the same thing when it’s time to finally tackle MMA.
“I’m young and hungry,” Steveson told MMA Fighting. “I want to be the best thing I can do.”
There are many fighters who have moved from wrestling to MMA, but not everyone finds success at the same speed.
A three-time NCAA champion, Bo Nikkal has undoubtedly enjoyed one of the fastest ascensions in the ranks since he decided to put his all in the battle. He currently boasts a perfect 7-0 record overall, including four UFC wins. His fifth fight is scheduled for May when he clashed with former championship two-division champion Reinier de Ridder.
Despite the spotlights brighter than most other prospects in the seven professional battles, Nikkal accepted his opportunity, believing that he would eventually capture UFC Gold.
Steveson was undoubtedly impressed with what he’s seen so far, setting the standard for every wrestler he’s now followed in the sport.
“Boe is incredible,” Steveson said. “When you see the aura that Bo and Bo bring, when he comes out there, you know he is an Olympic replacement next to three-time National Champion, U23 World Champion and David Taylor.
“He has a very unique style. He’s very mindful and his shots are something you’ll see especially in the UFC. His cage work. The next few fights from him are just standing with the tougher guys, and he’s already fully gathered in his wrestling background and his transitional wrestling.”
In addition to working with Jones during preparations for the Myosic fight this November, Steveson previously spent time training with fighters and coaches at Killcliffe FC in Florida. It’s the same gym where Michael Chandler, Gilbert Burns and Shabkat Rakmonov call their home.
Still, Steveson couldn’t dedicate himself to MMA alone, but he hopes that once the sport is fully eyed, he will move at the same speed as Nikkal did in his career.
“I think I’ll let the crowd decide what my talent is, but I’ll let them say what I want to say,” Steveson said. “From my point of view, in my head, I think I’m always there and compete with anyone. I think I can go out there and do a good job and hold on my own.
“When time is right – and we’ll know when time is right – that door opens, we’re good in that field and we’ll move forward as much as possible.”
For now, Steveson is about to win his third NCAA title in four years, with him getting off to a fast start with the pin in the opening round matchup and another dominant victory on Friday to punch tickets to the quarterfinals.