Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson might have finally discovered his true path in professional combat sports. The former wrestling standout made his long-anticipated boxing debut Friday night under the banner of Dirty Boxing Championship, a rising promotion launched by MMA veteran Mike Perry.
Steveson headlined the Dirty Boxing 4 event, stepping inside the ring against 31-year-old heavyweight Billy Swanson. It didn’t take long for the 25-year-old phenom to make a statement. Steveson unleashed a series of powerful uppercuts that sent Swanson crashing to the canvas within seconds, securing a dominant knockout victory and electrifying the crowd.
A Roller-Coaster Journey Post-Olympics
Steveson signed a WWE NIL contract amid significant buzz following an appearance at WWE SummerSlam 2021, becoming only the second Olympic Gold Medalist, after Kurt Angle, to be signed by the company. He was drafted to Monday Night Raw later that year but never officially competed on the show.
Despite occasional on-air appearances, WWE quietly shifted him to the NXT brand, where he finally laced up his boots for an in-ring debut at the 2023 NXT Great American Bash against Baron Corbin. The contest, however, ended in a no-contest ruling—ultimately becoming his only televised WWE match. By May of the following year, Steveson was released from his contract without any major storyline conclusion.
Reinventing Himself in Combat Sports
While his WWE tenure fizzled out quickly, Steveson wasted no time pivoting back to competitive fighting. Last month, he stepped into the MMA cage at LFA 217, where he dismantled Braden Peterson in less than two minutes during his professional debut. Friday night’s brutal boxing finish further reinforced what many analysts suspected — Steveson thrives in real-time combat environments.
What Comes Next?
With two explosive wins across two separate disciplines, Steveson has positioned himself as one of combat sports’ most intriguing young prospects. His rare blend of Olympic-level grappling, size, speed, and raw striking power may open doors in major global promotions, including the UFC.
For now, Dirty Boxing Championship appears to be benefiting from his star power, and fans are already buzzing about who might challenge him next.
If these early performances are any indication, Gable Steveson isn’t just exploring combat sports — he’s building a long-term home inside it.