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Gable Steveson Signs with UFC, Debuts July 11

4/12/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Gable Steveson, the former Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, signed with the UFC, as announced during the UFC 327 broadcast.
He will debut at UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week, and no opponent has been confirmed.
Steveson transitioned to MMA after a brief WWE stint and will compete in the heavyweight division, where he has three first-round finishes.
Jon Jones, a former UFC champion, mentors Steveson.

History

Historical Context

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was founded in 1993 to showcase mixed martial arts, initially facing backlash for its violent nature. U.S. Senator John McCain labeled it "human cockfighting," prompting 36 states to ban the sport. In response, the UFC adopted stricter rules, including weight classes starting in 1997, which helped legitimize MMA and attract elite athletes like Gable Steveson.

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Story summary

Gable Steveson, the former Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, signed with the UFC, as announced during the UFC 327 broadcast.
He will debut at UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week, and no opponent has been confirmed.
Steveson transitioned to MMA after a brief WWE stint and will compete in the heavyweight division, where he has three first-round finishes.
Jon Jones, a former UFC champion, mentors Steveson.

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