TLDR
- Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson won his second MMA fight with a 24-second knockout at APFC 21 on Sunday
- Steveson knocked out Kevin Hein with a left hook while attempting a takedown in the main event
- The 25-year-old has now spent less than two minutes total inside the cage across two professional fights
- Steveson called out UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard after the fight, hoping for a UFC contract
- UFC President Dana White said the promotion is keeping eyes on Steveson’s progress
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson continued his undefeated run in mixed martial arts with a brutal knockout victory at APFC 21 on Sunday night. The 25-year-old needed just 24 seconds to finish Kevin Hein in the main event held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Steveson was promoted to the main event spot for the card owned by former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. His fight was moved ahead of two previously scheduled title bouts. The decision proved correct as Steveson delivered an explosive finish in front of a sold-out crowd.
The fight ended when Steveson threw a left hook while simultaneously attempting a takedown. The punch connected with devastating effect, rendering Hein unconscious before he hit the canvas. Steveson completed the takedown but the referee quickly stopped the fight as Hein was already out.
Notable MMA figures watched from cageside, including Holly Holm, Carlos Condit, and Demetrious Johnson. UFC prospect Raul Rosas Jr. also appeared during the undercard to address the crowd.
Steveson’s wrestling credentials are well-established. He won Olympic gold at the 2020 Games, becoming the youngest American wrestler to achieve this feat. He also captured multiple NCAA Division I championships during his college career.
Path to MMA
Before entering MMA, Steveson spent time in WWE and attempted to make an NFL team. He then transitioned to combat sports and made his MMA debut in September with LFA. That fight lasted 98 seconds and ended by ground-and-pound TKO against Braden Peterson.
In October, Steveson competed under hybrid rules at Dirty Boxing Championship 4. He scored a 15-second knockout against Billy Swanson in that bout. This victory doesn’t count toward his official MMA record.
Steveson trains with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. The two were in contact by phone right up until Steveson’s ring walk on Sunday. Jones serves as a mentor and coach as Steveson builds his fighting career.
UFC Ambitions
In his post-fight interview, Steveson directly called for UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard to offer him a contract. He claimed Maynard promised to visit if he could return in time from UFC’s event in Qatar. Without Maynard present, Steveson made his case through the microphone.
UFC President Dana White recently addressed Steveson’s potential during an appearance on the Jim Rome Show. White stated the promotion is “definitely keeping our eyes on him, and we’ll see how this plays out.”
The heavyweight division in MMA has faced criticism for its lack of depth. This reality could help Steveson receive a faster path to the UFC than typical prospects. Most fighters spend years on the regional circuit before reaching the promotion.
Steveson has shown striking ability in both of his MMA appearances. While his wrestling made him famous, he chose to stand and trade with Hein before landing the knockout blow. His first big right hand thrown with serious intent ended the fight immediately.
The APFC broadcast on UFC Fight Pass had technical issues during the event. Graphics misspelled Steveson’s last name throughout the fight despite him being elevated to main event status.
Steveson now holds a perfect 2-0 record with both wins coming by first-round knockout. He has spent a combined 122 seconds inside the cage across both professional bouts.
