Gable Steveson has officially signed with the UFC, with the announcement made during a live broadcast. The 25-year-old Olympic wrestling champion will make his promotional debut on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week. Steveson transitioned to MMA last year and has already won three fights, all by KO/TKO in the first round. He trains at Jackson Wink MMA under the guidance and mentorship of Jon Jones. The signing brings a high-profile Olympic gold medalist to the UFC roster.
Gable Steveson has officially joined the UFC, with the promotion announcing the signing live on air ahead of his scheduled debut on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week.
Steveson, 25, arrives in the UFC as one of the most decorated combat sports recruits in recent memory. An Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, he transitioned to MMA last year and has moved through his early professional career at a rapid pace, posting three wins — all by KO/TKO inside the first round. His amateur wrestling pedigree gives him an elite grappling foundation, though his finishes so far have come on the feet.
Preparing him for the next step is Jon Jones, the heavyweight champion widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Jones, 38, carries a 28-1-0 professional record and trains alongside Steveson at Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque. Standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach, Jones brings a rare combination of physical tools and technical range to his mentorship role. His own statistical profile — 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy, paired with 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes — reflects the well-rounded, pressure-oriented style that Jackson Wink has long developed in its fighters.
Why it matters
- Steveson's Olympic gold medal makes him one of the highest-profile MMA signings in years, raising the event's visibility during International Fight Week.
- His undefeated record, built entirely on first-round stoppages, will face its stiffest test yet on the UFC stage.
- Training under Jones at Jackson Wink suggests a long-term investment in developing his striking alongside his already elite wrestling base.
- The signing strengthens the UFC's heavyweight division pipeline at a time when the top of the weight class is in transition.
