Gable Steveson has signed a multi-fight deal with Real American Freestyle and will make his RAF debut at RAF 9 on May 30 in Dallas, Texas, according to Ariel Helwani. No opponent has been announced for Steveson’s debut appearance, though Helwani noted that RAF is pursuing some big names for the matchup.
Steveson won Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games in the heavyweight freestyle division and backed that up with a college career at the University of Minnesota that included two NCAA national championships, two Dan Hodge Trophy awards as college wrestling’s most outstanding performer, and five All-American honors. He returned to Minnesota for his final year of college eligibility in the 2024-25 season but suffered an upset loss to Wyatt Hendrickson in the final match of the season at the NCAA Wrestling National Championships.
Steveson carries a 3-0 MMA record into his RAF deal and has been training alongside former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones, giving him access to elite preparation as he heads into his new chapter in combat sports.
Steveson was previously signed by WWE in 2021 and appeared at WrestleMania 38 in a post-show segment alongside Brock Lesnar, but his WWE run never fully materialized into a sustained on-screen presence. He was ultimately released from his WWE contract in 2023 as he returned his focus to amateur competition and his collegiate career.
RAF 9 takes place May 30 in Dallas, Texas.
