Gable Steveson’s MMA Debut Headlines LFA 217: Full Card & Prelims Breakdown
Gable Steveson is officially stepping into professional mixed martial arts, and the combat sports world is buzzing. The Olympic gold medalist and NCAA wrestling legend will make his MMA debut at LFA 217, one of the biggest Legacy Fighting Alliance cards of the year. He faces Braden Peterson in a highly anticipated heavyweight matchup (Peterson vs. Steveson), a fight that will be watched closely by fans, analysts, and UFC scouts alike.
Steveson is not just another wrestling standout trying MMA. He is one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers of his generation, having won Olympic gold in Tokyo, multiple NCAA Division I national championships, and world titles on the mat. His transition to MMA has been in the works for years, with fans speculating when the powerhouse grappler would finally test himself in the cage. Steveson also had a high-profile run in WWE and even signed briefly with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills before turning his focus fully toward MMA. Now, at just 25 years old, he’s ready to prove his skills in a sport that has long awaited his arrival.
To prepare for this debut, Gable Steveson has trained with elite names in the fight game, including Jon Jones, Greg Jackson, and Brandon Gibson. He has also worked alongside fellow heavyweights like Maurice Greene to sharpen his striking and overall MMA game. With such pedigree and training partners, many believe Steveson could be on a fast track to the UFC if he impresses under the LFA spotlight. His name recognition, Olympic credentials, and crossover appeal already make him one of the most talked-about debutants in recent MMA history.
Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson (Minnesota) gets the first-period tech fall over Ben Kueter (Iowa), putting on a show for the sell-out Minnesota crowd! pic.twitter.com/vbh5lE8wdY
— Saturday Night Lights (@WrestlingSNL) February 15, 2025
Gable Steveson makes his pro MMA debut this Friday 👀 pic.twitter.com/SFfYteNclq
— WrestlersGrind (@_wrestlersgrind) September 10, 2025
LFA 217 Fight Card
Prelims
- Adam Poulin vs. Ezayah Gomez (Heavyweight)
- Mitchell Wilson vs. Alex Alejendre (Lightweight)
- Glendal Whitney vs. Isaiah Pinson (Light Heavyweight)
- David McKinney vs. Kelton Sneve (Lightweight)
- Taner Trembley vs. Vadim Zadnipryanyi (Featherweight)
Main Card
- Mitchell McKee vs. Pedro Nobre
- Braden Peterson vs. Gable Steveson
- Cheyanne Bowers vs. Maritza Sanchez
- Bobby Lee vs. Nikita Kulshin
- Christian Turner vs. Joey Hart
- Cristina Brador vs. Mackenzie Stiller
- Alex Coover vs. Santos Verdinez
- Adam Poulin vs. Ezayah Gomez
FAQs About Gable Steveson’s MMA Debut
When is Gable Steveson’s first MMA fight?
Gable Steveson will debut on September 12, 2025, at LFA 217.
Who is Gable Steveson fighting?
He faces Braden Peterson in his first professional MMA bout.
What is Gable Steveson famous for?
He is an Olympic gold medalist, multiple-time NCAA champion, and former WWE performer now transitioning into MMA.
Where is LFA 217 being held?
The event takes place in Prior Lake, Minnesota, under the LFA banner.
