Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson won his second consecutive professional combat victory on October 30, 2025, at Dirty Boxing 4 in Nashville, defeating Bellator veteran Billy Swanson in just 15 seconds with a knockout at The Pinnacle. This victory demonstrates Steveson’s striking capability across combat disciplines only one month after his MMA debut.[1][2][3][4][5]
Steveson’s Professional Combat Trajectory Across Different Disciplines
Steveson achieved two professional victories within consecutive months across distinct combat environments. Both wins occurred via early-round finishes, establishing a pattern of rapid dominance.[6][7][8][9]
| Event | Date | Location | Opponent | Result | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFA 217 | September 2025 | Minnesota | Braden Peterson | TKO | 98 seconds[10] |
| Dirty Boxing 4 | October 30, 2025 | Nashville | Billy Swanson | KO | 15 seconds[11] |
His MMA debut emphasized wrestling and ground control, while his Dirty Boxing performance emphasized striking combinations. This versatility suggests readiness for traditional UFC heavyweight competition.[12][13][14][15]
Olympic Gold Medalist and Amateur Wrestling Foundation
Steveson won the 2020 Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling’s super heavyweight division at age 21, making him the youngest ever Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist. His college wrestling record at Penn State University includes:[16][17][18]
- Two NCAA Division I heavyweight championships (2019, 2022)[19][20]
- Two Dan Hodge Trophy awards (2019, 2022)[21]
- 285-pound weight class[22]
These accomplishments establish Steveson as exceptionally rare in amateur wrestling circles.[23][24]
Notable Attendees and UFC Professional Implications
Mick Maynard, UFC Vice President of Talent Relations, attended the event alongside Jon Jones, co-owner of Dirty Boxing Championship. Steveson directly addressed Maynard after his victory, stating his intention to pursue UFC opportunities. Jon Jones served as Steveson’s corner person and stated coach. This mentorship underscores Steveson’s professional entry significance.[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]
Opponent Background and Event Context
Billy Swanson, with a 4-3 MMA record, previously competed in Bellator and Professional Fighters League. He is a former Alabama Fighting Championship heavyweight champion. Dirty Boxing, founded by Mike Perry in 2024, differs from traditional MMA by prohibiting kicks and extensive grappling while allowing striking combinations.[33][34][35][36][37][38]
The DBX 4 card featured multiple rapid finishes: Bryan Battle defeated Nick Kohring by decision, Montavious Ware achieved first-round knockout over Alexander Schenk, Jaleel Willis secured second-round knockout against Peter Stanonik, and Francisco Trinaldo defeated Nayanesh Ayman by decision.[39][40]
