Gable Steveson Signs Multi-Match Deal With Real American Freestyle

Gable Steveson is stepping back onto the wrestling mat while continuing his rapid rise in MMA, as the Olympic gold medalist has locked in a new deal with Real American Freestyle.

According to Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani, Steveson has signed a multi-match agreement with the upstart promotion and is scheduled to make his debut at RAF 9 on May 30 in Dallas. His opponent for the event has not yet been announced.

The move adds another chapter to Steveson’s already decorated combat sports journey. Widely regarded as one of the top heavyweight prospects transitioning into MMA, the 25-year-old has continued to build momentum with a string of dominant performances since turning professional.

Steveson first captured worldwide attention during the 2020 Olympic Games, where he won gold at just 21 years old and became one of the youngest freestyle wrestlers in his division to reach that milestone. He also established himself as a dominant collegiate competitor, winning two NCAA Division I national championships and earning the Dan Hodge Trophy twice — an honor given annually to the top freestyle wrestler in collegiate athletics.

His final collegiate run included a dramatic finish that fans still talk about. After returning to the University of Minnesota for the 2024–25 season, Steveson advanced to the NCAA Division I finals without surrendering a single takedown throughout the season and tournament. However, his pursuit of a third national title ended in shocking fashion when current RAF heavyweight champion Wyatt Hendrickson scored a last-second victory in what became one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history.

Since shifting his focus fully to MMA, Steveson has been on a destructive streak inside the cage. He currently holds a perfect 4-0 professional record, with all four wins coming by knockout. His debut came in September with a first-round stoppage of Braden Petersen, followed by a 15-second knockout of Billy Swanson in Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing promotion. He then scored another quick knockout against Kevin Hein in November before opening 2026 with a first-round finish over Hugo Lezama.

Steveson has also made it clear that his long-term goal is to reach the UFC. He previously revealed that conversations have taken place with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard and that he once hoped to debut on a major White House-themed event alongside his coach and mentor, UFC legend Jon Jones. UFC CEO Dana White later confirmed that Steveson is firmly on the promotion’s radar and that there is strong interest in signing him once he gains more experience.

Before focusing entirely on combat sports, Steveson briefly explored opportunities in both the NFL and WWE, showing the wide range of paths available to elite athletes with his level of athletic pedigree.

Now, with a Real American Freestyle deal secured and his MMA career gaining momentum, Steveson appears to be positioning himself for a future that blends high-level wrestling with knockout power inside the cage.

Do you think Gable Steveson’s return to wrestling competition will help accelerate his MMA career, or should he focus solely on fighting as he chases a UFC contract? Drop your thoughts and share your feedback in the comments.