Gable Steveson Dominates Alexandr Romanov, Sets Sights on Olympic Contenders

Gable Steveson made a triumphant return to wrestling on Saturday, overpowering former UFC heavyweight Alexandr Romanov in the RAF 9 main event. After a hiatus from the mat following a surprising defeat at the 2025 NCAA championships, Steveson quickly demonstrated his prowess, scoring points with ease and controlling the pace of the match.

The contest concluded in the second period when Steveson secured a takedown and executed a swift turn, bringing the score to 10-0 and winning by technical superiority. This decisive victory marked a strong comeback for the Olympic gold medalist, who expressed his enthusiasm post-match. “I’m feeling amazing,” Steveson declared. “You questioned if I could still wrestle? You think Gable can’t wrestle? Whoever wants it can get it. I came here to be a wrestler. I’m a wrestler at heart but I’m a fighter now.”

Steveson has his sights set on challenging two Olympic medalists in future RAF events while also preparing for his entry into mixed martial arts at UFC 329 scheduled for July. “Next up I would like Abdulrashid Sadulaev and there’s a guy from Iran named Amir Hossein Zare, he’s the best heavyweight right now,” he noted. “If you want it, I’m here.”

The match showcased Steveson's skill from the outset, as he quickly put points on the board with a go-behind and a rapid turn for four points. A pushout followed, adding another point before Romanov appeared to sustain a shoulder injury late in the first period. Despite this, the bout carried on, with Steveson continuing to dominate and finishing the match with another pushout.

As a significant addition to the RAF lineup, Steveson’s presence not only enhances the competition but also positions him as a potential star in the UFC. With the 2028 Olympic Games approaching in Los Angeles, his future in both wrestling and MMA seems promising.