Gable Steveson continued to show his impressive power on the feet as he landed a vicious knockout in his APFC debut.
For the first time in his MMA career, Steveson wasn’t joined by UFC icon Jon Jones on the night, although the pair did communicate right up to the ring walk on the phone. And it didn’t matter as the heavyweight scored yet another quick-fire victory in the amateur ranks.
Steveson is best known for Olympic gold-medal pedigree in wrestling as well as a brief stint in WWE. However, it’s his hands that may be about to take him to the UFC in an unprecedented move as he pushed for matchmaker Mick Maynard to give him the call after the fight.
- COMPARISON: Dana White mentions Brock Lesnar when asked about Gable Steveson’s potential UFC crossover
Gable Steveson scores vicious 25-second KO in latest MMA outing
Just three weeks after making his debut for Dirty Boxing Championship in Nashville, Gable Steveson headed to the MMA hotbed of Albuquerque, New Mexico for his latest challenge. Anthony Pettis’ APFC was the spot for his amateur return, where he faced Kevin Hein.
A star-studded lineup watched from cageside, with Holly Holm, Carlos Condit and Demetrious Johnson among the big names in attendance. Raul Rosas Jr. even got in the cage during the undercard to cut a promo in front of a sold out crowd.
Steveson’s wrestling is what made him a global star, but he seemed keen yet again to show off his striking as he stood and traded with Hein. The first big right hand that he threw with intent immediately rendered Hein unconscious, although that didn’t stop Steveson from taking him down as well.
He was quickly pulled off his opponent by the referee once it was established Hein was out. This marked the second first-round victory of his MMA career and his third since moving into fighting..
Gable Steveson wants UFC call after just two amateur bouts
It’s usually recommended that a multi-sport athlete, even a renowned one like Steveson, build up their experience on the amateur and regional professional circuit before heading to the UFC. But given the general weakness of the heavyweight division in all of MMA, an exception could be made.
Steveson claimed in his post-fight interview that he had been promised a visit by Mick Maynard if he could get back in time from UFC Qatar. However, in the absence of that, he called for a UFC opportunity through any means necessary.
For Dana White’s part, he recently told the Jim Rome Show that the promotion “are definitely keeping our eyes on him, and we’ll see how this plays out.”