Minnesota legend Gable Steveson mauls opponent to win MMA debut

Steveson has officially begun his MMA career 1-0.

Mar 21, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Gable Steveson of Minnesota reacts during a break in action against Cohlton Schultz during the quarterfinals of the NCAA Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Minnesota wrestling legend Gable Steveson dominated his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut against Braden Peterson on Friday night, winning via technical knockout (TKO) 1:38 into the first round.

Gophers legend Gable Steveson wins his pro-MMA debut via vicious ground and pound at #LFA217

Took care of business. 😤

pic.twitter.com/OcyCvUJodq

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) September 13, 2025

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Steveson was a massive betting favorite against (1-0) Peterson. The two-time national champion and Olympic gold medalist wrestler had a massive combat sports experience advantage and it was shown in the fight.

Friday night's Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) event took place at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota. MMA is a much different sport than wrestling, but Steveson has now shown that he can handle himself in the cage. At 25 years old, he looks like he has a bright future in the sport.

Former Gophers wrestler Mitch McKee moved to 10-0 in MMA with a second-round knockout in the main event of Friday night's event. It was a clean sweep for the Minnesotans in front of the local crowd.