TLDR
- Gable Steveson will fight Hugo Lezama on February 19 at Mexico Fight League 3 in Monterrey, Mexico
- Steveson is 2-0 in MMA with both wins coming by knockout in a combined 2 minutes and 2 seconds
- Lezama holds an 11-3 professional MMA record with nine of his wins by stoppage
- The bout represents a major step up in competition for the 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist
- Steveson trains under UFC legend Jon Jones and is also a two-time NCAA wrestling champion
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Info Nasional | MMA Fighting
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson will face his most experienced opponent to date when he takes on Hugo Lezama at Mexico Fight League 3 on February 19. The bout takes place at the Showcenter Complex in Monterrey, Mexico, and will stream live on YouTube.
Steveson enters the fight with a perfect 2-0 record in MMA, having won both fights by knockout in a combined time of just 2 minutes and 2 seconds. The 25-year-old made his professional debut less than three months ago and has quickly moved through his early opposition.
Lezama Brings Veteran Experience
Hugo Lezama presents a much different challenge than Steveson’s previous opponents. The Mexican fighter holds an 11-3 professional MMA record and has competed in 14 fights total.
Lezama has finished nine of his 11 victories, including five by knockout and four by submission. He most recently defended his Budo Sento Championship heavyweight title in November 2024.
The matchup represents a clear step up in competition for Steveson, who has yet to face an opponent with more than a handful of professional fights. Lezama’s experience and finishing ability will test whether Steveson’s rapid success can continue against seasoned competition.
From Wrestling Mat to MMA Cage
Steveson became the youngest American to win Olympic gold in wrestling when he captured the heavyweight gold medal. He is also a two-time NCAA wrestling champion, establishing himself as one of the premier wrestlers in the world.
After his wrestling career, Steveson signed with WWE but his tenure with the professional wrestling company proved short-lived. He transitioned to MMA in late 2024 and trains under UFC legend Jon Jones.
Beyond his two MMA victories, Steveson also competed in Dirty Boxing, where he won in just 15 seconds. All three of his combat sports fights have taken place within a 10-week span, showing an aggressive schedule for the young prospect.
The February 19 fight will take place on Mexico Fight League’s third event. The promotion announced the matchup on Sunday, giving Steveson exactly one month to prepare for his toughest test.
Steveson’s undefeated record and explosive finishing ability have generated attention in the MMA community before he even made his professional debut. His wrestling credentials and work with Jones suggested he could transition successfully to mixed martial arts.
However, Lezama represents a different level of opposition. The Mexican heavyweight holds championship gold and has proven he can win fights in multiple ways, both standing and on the ground.
The fight will air for free on YouTube, giving fans worldwide access to watch whether Steveson can maintain his perfect knockout streak. At 2-0 with both wins in the first round, Steveson has yet to see the later stages of an MMA fight.
Lezama last fought in November 2024, meaning he will enter the cage with recent fight experience. Steveson’s most recent MMA bout took place in the final weeks of 2024 as part of his rapid three-fight stretch.
