Gable Steveson is once again back with Minnesota wrestling! The Gophers star had retired in 2022, dabbled with WWE and NFL, only to return to his home turf in 2024, to take advantage of a grace year thanks to COVID-19. Winning one match after another, Steveson put on a show like he never left. The wrestling phenom looked poised to lift his third NCAA title but alas! dealing a rough blow to his ambitions, Wyatt Hendrickson achieved the historic feat of defeating Olympic champion in 5-4. While his comeback did not turn out as expected, he is now back again to Minnesota. His agenda? something entirely unexpected.
In a recent development, the Indiana native could be seen spending time with budding wrestlers at the Gophers’ gym. Taking to his Instagram story, Steveson was spotted posing with a couple of young athletes. Donning a custom-made sweatshirt, Steveson looked pretty happy to devote his time to future generations. So why was Steveson back with the Minnesota kids all of a sudden?
Well, as it can be learnt from his stories, the Minnesota Gophers are all set to organize its second ‘Scrap Night.’ Posing with two young wrestlers, the veteran NCAA took to his Instagram to promote the event. Steveson wrote in his Instagram story, “This Friday we host our second @scrapnights Made for kids to immerse themselves in wrestling while testing their skills!” Looking at the talents in his gym, Steveson seemed to be pretty confident about the quality of the athletes. He further wrote, “Come have a good time! See you then!”
NCAA, College League, USA Wrestling: DI Wrestling Mar 21, 2025 Philadelphia, PA, USA Gable Steveson of Minnesota looks on before the quarterfinals of the NCAA Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center PA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20250321_bs_sq4_00146
Given Gable Steveson’s reputation in the NCAA wrestling circuit, it won’t be a surprise if the Scrap Night at Minnesota ends up being a roaring success. But beyond helping budding wrestlers reach their fullest potential, there are other exciting things in store for the Minnesota Gophers star!
Gable Steveson plots UFC leap with Jon Jones in his corner
Gable Steveson is officially on the cusp of stepping into the UFC Octagon. And he’s not doing it alone. After a shocking loss in the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships finals, the Olympic gold medalist is charting a new course. And if there’s one name lighting the path, it’s UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
While Steveson had been scheduled to face grappling maestro Craig Jones at the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational, those plans are suddenly on ice. His eyes now appear firmly set on the UFC. “I would love to step in the Octagon, you know? I mean, that’s the best thing for me,” Steveson revealed, confirming his commitment to leveling up with striking and all-around combat finesse. His goal? To evolve beyond just a decorated wrestler into a dominant mixed martial artist.
At the center of his transition is Jon Jones, who has not only trained with Gable but also openly credited him for playing a “monumental” role in his own preparation for the Stipe Miocic bout. Steveson echoed the mutual respect, saying, “If you know Jon, he is one of a kind. He is a one-of-a-kind human being. He means well. I’m blessed to have him in the corner.” With Jones guiding the move, Gable Steveson’s UFC arrival may shake up the heavyweight division sooner than expected.
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