Gable Steveson scores vicious ground and pound finish to move to 3-0 in MFL 3 main event
MMA Fighting
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gable Steveson secured a dominant first-round victory in the MFL 3 main event on Thursday, defeating experienced heavyweight Hugo Lezama with a brutal ground-and-pound finish to move to 3-0 in his professional career. The 25-year-old prospect, who earned Olympic gold in wrestling, showcased his striking and grappling skills despite rarely needing to display his takedown prowess, as Lezama’s mistakes repeatedly handed him the advantage on the canvas. Steveson bloodied Lezama with a series of heavy punches before the referee intervened at 3:50 into the first round.
The fight began with Lezama attempting a takedown, but Steveson quickly countered and started raining down bombs from above. Though Lezama survived with upkicks, he struggled to maintain his footing and continually ended up on the ground. A spin kick briefly clipped Steveson, but he remained composed and continued pressing forward. After securing a body lock, Steveson trapped Lezama in a vulnerable position and unleashed a relentless barrage of punches that ultimately forced the referee to stop the fight.
Steveson’s win marked another impressive performance in his young career, despite facing his most experienced opponent yet. While he acknowledged areas for improvement, he expressed satisfaction with his progress and gratitude toward his team, which includes UFC legend Jon Jones. Lezama, known for his durability, put up a tough fight but was ultimately overpowered by Steveson’s striking precision and grappling skills.
This victory further solidifies Steveson’s status as one of the most promising heavyweights in MMA. With three straight first-round finishes, including against a 11-3 veteran like Lezama, Steveson is quickly making a name for himself on the regional circuit. His
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/20/2026