Gable Steveson has no intention of easing his way into the UFC heavyweight division. The Olympic gold medallist returns to action at UFC 331, where he will make his first appearance on the UFC main card against Sean Sharaf. For Steveson, the occasion represents another opportunity to show the MMA world that his potential extends far beyond his wrestling credentials.
“It means a lot,” Steveson tells 1win in an exclusive interview. “You dream about being on the big stage, and now I’m here. But I’m not treating it like I’ve made it.” Instead, Steveson sees UFC 331 as another step in what he believes can become a remarkable MMA career. “I want people watching UFC 331 to walk away thinking, ‘That guy is going to be a problem.’”
Sharaf stands in his way, but Steveson isn’t approaching the matchup cautiously. The 26-year-old expects to dictate the fight from the opening bell. “I expect a fight, and I expect to come out on top,” he says. “Sean’s a good opponent and I respect anybody who gets in there, but I’m confident in what I can do.”
His objective is straightforward. “I’m going to go out there, put pressure on him and look for the finish. I don’t want to leave it in the judges’ hands.”
The confidence isn’t difficult to understand. Steveson has spent his entire life competing at the highest level, culminating in Olympic gold, before making the unusual transition through professional wrestling and ultimately into MMA.
Now, he believes the Octagon provides the opportunity to bring everything together. “I think MMA gives me the biggest opportunity to show everything I can do,” Steveson says. “Wrestling was the foundation, WWE taught me a lot about entertainment and being in front of people, but this is different. This is me putting everything together.”
And while his wrestling pedigree is obvious, Steveson believes his development on the feet is what could ultimately make him dangerous at heavyweight.
“I think people see the wrestling and think that’s all I have,” he says. “That’s the funny part. I’m still learning every single day. My striking is getting better, my kicks are getting better, my timing is getting better. I’ve only scratched the surface. I think that’s what’s scary about it.”
That confidence extends to the rest of the heavyweight division. Steveson doesn’t believe there is a particular style that presents a problem for him. “I don’t really look at anybody and think, ‘That’s a bad matchup for me,’” he says. “Whoever they put in front of me, I’m going to figure it out.”
Asked whether there is a heavyweight currently ranked above him that he believes he could beat, Steveson’s answer is emphatic. “Yeah. I believe I can beat anybody.”
That doesn’t mean Steveson intends to skip steps. He wants experience, but he’s also willing to accelerate his rise if the UFC gives him the opportunity. “I’m not scared of anybody,” he says. “I want to get my reps, keep getting better and keep showing people that I belong here. But if the UFC calls me tomorrow and says, ‘Here’s a big fight,’ I’m taking it.”
Ultimately, Steveson’s ambition extends well beyond simply reaching the top. “I want to be champion, defend it, stay active and build something that people remember,” he says.
“I didn’t come to the UFC just to win the belt. I came here to leave a legacy.”
Check out For Foot Sake’s UFC 331 Betting Preview here.