Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson wants to make UFC debut at upcoming White House event
CBS Sports
by
Shakiel Mahjouri
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, is aiming to make his MMA debut at the UFC's highly anticipated White House event on June 14. Currently undefeated with two wins, Steveson is scheduled to face 11-year veteran Hugo Lezama on February 19 in Mexico. He has been in frequent contact with the UFC and expressed confidence that a notable knockout in his next fight could propel him into the promotion's main roster.
Steveson's journey from wrestling to MMA has been marked by ambition and determination. After winning two NCAA Division I national championships, he pursued a professional wrestling career with WWE but found limited success. He then transitioned to football, signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 before being released three months later. Since turning to MMA, Steveson's focus has been unwavering, training under former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones, who predicts that Steveson could become a UFC heavyweight champion by early 2027.
The significance of Steveson's potential UFC debut lies in his unique background and the hype surrounding his entrance into MMA. His Olympic success and connection to Jon Jones make him a compelling prospect for fans and promoters alike. If he debuts at the White House card following a strong performance against Lezama, it would mark a major milestone in his career and further solidify his place among the sport's rising stars.
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/13/2026