Gable Steveson Signs Deal for Another MMA Fight with Anthony Pettis Fighting Championship

Minneapolis, MN – Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist and former Gophers wrestling star, has signed on for another professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bout, scheduled for later this month. The 25-year-old is set to compete under the banner of the Anthony Pettis Fighting Championship (APFC) promotion on Sunday, Nov. 23, marking the latest chapter in his rapid rise through the professional combat sports world.

While his opponent has yet to be officially announced, Steveson’s commitment to a full-time MMA career seems clear as he continues to make waves in the fighting scene.

A Wrestling Phenomenon Makes His MMA Push

Steveson’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a dominant wrestling career at the University of Minnesota, which included two NCAA championships and an Olympic Gold Medal, Steveson ventured into several other sports. His brief stint with the WWE caught attention, but it was his short-lived time with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL that truly showed his diverse athleticism.

However, despite his success across multiple arenas, Steveson’s heart always seemed to lie in combat sports. After a return to the Gophers for one final season of college wrestling, which saw him upset in the national championship by Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson, Steveson made the definitive move into professional MMA.

Steveson’s MMA journey began in earnest this past September when he debuted with a dominant first-round TKO victory over Braden Peterson at LFA 217. This was just the start of what has already become an exciting professional fighting career.

Expanding His Skillset: A Knockout in 15 Seconds

Steveson’s natural athleticism and wrestling pedigree have been the foundation of his early MMA success, but his striking skills were showcased in full force on October 30, 2023, when he competed in the Dirty Boxing Championship. In a mixed-rules boxing bout, Steveson stunned fans by delivering a lightning-fast first-round knockout in just 15 seconds against Billy Swanson, a display that proved his potential as a multi-faceted combat athlete.

“The knockout was quick, but it was exactly what I wanted to show—the speed and power I can bring to MMA,” Steveson said after the fight. “I’ve been training hard, and I’m just getting started.”

APFC: Steveson’s Next Big Step

Now, Steveson is set to return to traditional MMA under the APFC, a regional promotion owned by former UFC champion Anthony Pettis. Based in Milwaukee, APFC has grown in prominence over the years, and Steveson’s involvement will undoubtedly bring even more attention to the promotion.

While his opponent for the upcoming Nov. 23 fight is still under wraps, many expect Steveson’s match-up to feature an opponent with less experience in order to allow the young fighter to continue his progression as he works toward a future in major promotions like the UFC or the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Aiming for the UFC or PFL

Steveson has made no secret of his ultimate goal: to fight on the biggest stages in MMA. His career trajectory appears to be following a path similar to that of former Gophers wrestling legend Brock Lesnar, who made the transition from NCAA wrestling to the UFC, where he became a heavyweight champion. Steveson’s combination of wrestling pedigree and raw athleticism makes him a natural fit for the UFC, and many believe he has the potential to make an impact in the sport at the highest levels.

“I want to test myself against the best,” Steveson said in a recent interview. “The UFC is the dream, but I’m focused on putting in the work, fight by fight. I want to continue learning and improving until I’m ready for the top.”

Steveson’s Future in MMA

At just 25 years old, Steveson’s future in MMA is incredibly bright. While he may still be considered a newcomer to the sport, his wrestling credentials, physicality, and striking ability have already set him apart from other rising fighters.

His path to the UFC or PFL may take some time, but with every fight, Steveson continues to build his reputation. As he prepares for his APFC debut later this month, fans can expect another exciting chapter in what is shaping up to be a thrilling career in combat sports.