Olympic gold medalist Steveson to make MMA debut at LFA 217

Gable Steveson is finally making his transition to MMA.

The standout wrestler - who won back-to-back NCAA Division I titles at 285 pounds and captured a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - is joining Legacy Fighting Alliance to begin his MMA career, the promotion announced Tuesday.

Steveson will make his debut in the co-main event at LFA 217 on Sept. 12 in a heavyweight fight against Braden Peterson in Minnesota.

"We are thrilled to bring a stacked card back to Minnesota, headlined by two of the bantamweight division's most exciting fighters and the MMA debut of one of the most accomplished wrestlers of all time," LFA CEO Ed Soares said in a statement. "Steveson's arrival in the sport is a historic moment, and pairing it with a high-level bantamweight clash makes LFA 217 an event you can't miss."

A bantamweight clash between Christian Strong and Mitch McKee will headline LFA 217.

Steveson attempted to transition to the NFL last year. The 25-year-old signed a deal to play defensive line for the Buffalo Bills during the 2024 offseason but was released prior to the regular season.