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Impressed? Gable Steveson destroys outmatched heavyweight slug in official MMA debut | LFA 217 video

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com’s weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Olympic gold medalist and all-around wrestling phenom, Gable Steveson, made his official mixed martial arts (MMA) debut earlier tonight (Fri., Sept. 12, 2025) at LFA 217 from inside Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota, stopping outmatched heavyweight, Braden Peterson, in the co-main event.

Steveson, 25, is one of the most accomplished collegiate and U.S. Olympic wrestlers in recent memory (even despite his huge upset loss back in March). The promising athlete briefly tested the waters as a professional wrestler back in 2024 before WWE released him from their developmental program. After that, Steveson delayed his MMA crossover once again by signing with the Buffalo Bills to take a stab at professional football. That, too, didn’t last long.

Steveson, who has trained alongside MMA legends like Jon Jones and Robbie Lawler, finally made his official MMA debut on Friday night at LFA 217 and it couldn’t have gone any better for the former wrestler. He wasn’t facing the best competition by any stretch of the imagination, but for someone trying to get their feet wet in a new sport Steveson handled himself as advertised.

It took Steveson no more than 15 seconds into the first round to land his first takedown and start peppering Peterson with punches. Steveson would remain in top control and rain down more punches for about another minute. The damage piled up and the referee eventually stepped in to save Peterson from any more punishment. Steveson walked away with his first-ever TKO victory.

Check out the video highlights below and let us know your thoughts on Steveson’s MMA debut!