Highlights:
- DBX 4 featured multiple highlight finishes across divisions.
- One heavyweight performance stole the spotlight.
- The event drew attention from major MMA figures.
- Speculation is growing about a potential crossover future.
DBX 4 delivered no shortage of finishes, including a highlight-reel knockout from former UFC fighter Bryan Battle, who overwhelmed Cody Kohring with precision striking to open the main card. But the loudest moment of the night belonged to a different kind of fighter — one who’s yet to step foot inside the Octagon.
That spotlight belonged to an Olympic gold medalist whose power and presence demanded attention from the very first punch.
Gable Steveson’s Knockout Turns Heads
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson faced Zach Swanson in a heavyweight clash that ended with a thunderous knockout in just 13 seconds shared by Happy Punch on X — and it came in only his second professional fight. Steveson’s timing, composure, and raw athleticism were on full display as he dropped Swanson with a clean finish that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The quote that followed was captured in a clip shared by ACD MMA.
Steveson famously won his Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he delivered a dramatic last-second victory in the heavyweight final. His first professional fight was his MMA debut at LFA 217 in September, which he won by TKO.
Moments later, Steveson took the mic and made his next move clear — he wants the UFC to sign him. He said, 'I think a special guest was here to come watch me. His name is Mick Maynard from the UFC. Mick, you’ve seen a little bit — I would love to show a lot more, and hopefully you believe in me.' His callout carried extra weight with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard — one of the promotion’s lead talent scouts and key figures in fighter recruitment — reportedly in attendance, witnessing the performance firsthand.
GABLE STEVESON 13 SECOND KO 😳
Jon Jones loving it 👀 pic.twitter.com/E0YgXNODSn
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) October 31, 2025
A New Chapter on the Horizon?
Steveson, known for his Olympic wrestling dominance, showcased another level of potential — one that extends beyond the mat and into the fight world’s biggest stage. His knockout power and poise under pressure have already caught the attention of both fans and insiders.
🚨 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST GABLE STEVESON HAS CALLED FOR THE UFC TO SIGN HIM AFTER HIS KO AT #DBX4
MICK MAYNARD WAS IN ATTENDANCE 👀 pic.twitter.com/BVEGTWsazp
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 31, 2025
With only two fights on his record, Steveson’s quick evolution has fueled conversations about whether he could become the next elite crossover athlete to make the jump into MMA.
Whether DBX 4 becomes the moment that opened the UFC’s door or simply the spark that started his rise, one thing is certain — the heavyweight gold medalist made his intentions impossible to ignore. With his dominant debut performances and growing buzz online, Dana White and the UFC are sure to be keeping a close eye on him as a potential future addition to the roster.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
