Gable Steveson details his ideal 2026 MMA plan, including a high-profile UFC debut

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Gable Steveson has set his sights on the MMA world, and 2026 could be the year he really breaks through.

The 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling has shifted his focus to MMA after brief spells in American football and WWE. And it hasn’t taken long for people to start taking notice.

Since September, Steveson has won three fights — two in MMA and one under Dirty Boxing rules. His most recent bout was a quick win, a 25-second knockout under the Anthony Pettis FC banner that quickly went viral.

The two-time NCAA Division I national champion is aiming to step into the Octagon in 2026, and he already knows exactly where he wants to make his debut…

Gable Steveson aims for White House debut in UFC

Even though Steveson is still early in his MMA journey, the division he’s competing in isn’t exactly stacked with depth.

That’s already led to talk that he could hold his own against some of the bigger names near the top of the UFC heavyweight rankings. It wouldn’t be a shock to see that theory put to the test soon.

Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience, Steveson talked about his plans for 2026, saying he’d like to fight on a card headlined by Jones in Washington D.C. on June 14.

“I would really like to debut at the White House,” Steveson said.

“I would like to do one or two more fights before then, and then if I can sign, do a big release, ‘Hey, he’s signed, good job,’ and then debut at the White House. That’s my perfect world,” he added.

Joe Rogan’s message to Dana White about Gable Steveson

Joe Rogan is among those backing Steveson to make a real impact in MMA.

After catching Steveson’s latest fight, he texted Dana White, warning him that the current heavyweight division could be in for a rude awakening once Steveson enters the fold.

“The heavyweight division is so devoid of talent,” Rogan said during a previous episode of his podcast.

“Gable Steveson is the f—— guy, that’s the guy. He’s not even in the UFC yet. Olympic gold medalist, f—— freak athlete, 250 pounds, moves like a cat, that’s the guy.”

“I sent a text message to Dana White, I sent him a video of Gable Steveson’s last fight, I said: ‘Everyone’s f—– when this guy comes out’.