Gable Steveson has hands, too.
On Thursday night, Steveson made his Dirty Boxing debut, taking on Billy Swanson at DBX 4 in Nashville. Despite the rule change moving away from Steveson’s bailiwick, the Olympic gold medal wrestler had no problem transitioning to a striking-based sport, bulldozing through Swanson in just 15 seconds.
Steveson, who has one MMA fight in his career thus far, looked comfortable on his feet immediately, coming across the ring and sticking a jab in Swanson’s face. Swanson backed up and then ate a nasty uppercut that sent him crashing to the canvas, where the Olympian pounced on him, delivering standing strikes until referee Dan Miragliotta halted the contest.
Steveson is one of the best prospects ever to enter MMA, and currently trains with former UFC champion Jon Jones. It seems only a matter of time before Steveson transitions to the UFC, and he seems to agree, sending a message to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, who was in attendance for the event.
“I think a special guest was here to watch me, but I’m just not sure where he is,” Steveson says. “His name is Mick Maynard, and he’s right there!
“Mick, you’ve seen a little bit. I would love to show a lot more. Hopefully, you believe in me, and I appreciate you.”