Gable Steveson’s MMA debut victory came on September 13, 2025, at LFA 217, held at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The Olympic gold medalist faced Braden Peterson, marking his first professional mixed martial arts fight with a decisive performance that ended early in the first round.
Details of the Fight and Steveson’s Performance
Steveson demonstrated clear dominance by securing a single-leg takedown shortly after the opening bell. Maintaining relentless pressure, he controlled the fight until it was stopped at just 1 minute and 38 seconds into round one, earning a technical knockout (TKO) victory. MMA legend Jon Jones supported Steveson from his corner during the bout, adding to the significance of the moment. The event was broadcast on UFC Fight Pass, where highlights of Steveson’s striking debut quickly spread.
Reflecting on His Transition from WWE to MMA
Before entering MMA, Steveson was signed with WWE from September 2021 until his release in May 2024, a period during which he also competed as a wrestler at the University of Minnesota. Reflecting on this chapter in a November interview, Steveson acknowledged that WWE “just wasn’t the right time.”
“The WWE just wasn’t the right time. I had a lot of competitive edge in me, and they knew that, and it was not the time for it. So maybe one day, if the stars align, it’ll be a great opportunity to do it again. I have no bad feelings with it. I have no bad blood with it, and I would like to keep moving forward with everything I have going on.” —Gable Steveson, MMA fighter
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Steveson
Steveson’s impressive debut at LFA 217 signals a strong start to an MMA career that many fans and analysts will be watching closely. His swift and decisive victory over Peterson demonstrates his seamless transition from Olympic wrestling and WWE entertainment to competitive mixed martial arts. With the support of figures like Jon Jones and an ongoing platform via UFC Fight Pass, Steveson’s future in the sport looks promising as he builds momentum in the featherweight division.
