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LFA
Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com’s various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities.
Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division I Heavyweight champion Gable Steveson made weight for his highly anticipated mixed martial arts (MMA) debut tomorrow night (Fri., Sept. 12, 2025), tipping the scales at 259.2 lbs and looking every bit the physical specimen ready to make waves in the Heavyweight division.
Steveson takes on Braden Peterson (1-0) at LFA 217 inside Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota — the same state where he dominated in wrestling. The two squared off after weigh-ins, and the intensity was immediate.
Steveson is jumping into MMA just two weeks after withdrawing from his highly anticipated super grappling match with Craig Jones at CJI, a cancellation that drew plenty of backlash from Jones. But his focus is now fully on MMA.
The 25-year-old is entering this fight on the heels of a stunning upset loss earlier this year to Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson in the NCAA finals, one of the biggest shocks in college wrestling history (watch highlights). In the aftermath, Steveson teased a move into MMA — even angling for a direct shot in UFC with a sit-down request to CEO Dana White. That didn’t materialize, but landing in LFA, UFC’s premier feeder league, is the next best thing.
Peterson, meanwhile, made a statement in his MMA debut earlier this summer, stopping Chris Thompson in just 14 seconds. He’ll be looking to play spoiler against one of the most decorated wrestlers to ever enter the cage.
Beyond Steveson’s high-profile debut, LFA 217 is loaded with talent. NCAA standout Mitchell McKee (9-0) meets veteran Pedro Nobre (22-8-2), former interim Flyweight champ Cheyanne Bowers (6-2) collides with Maritza Sanchez (6-2), and DWCS alum Joey Hart (7-3) faces Christian Turner (8-2) in what promises to be a stacked night of fights.
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