Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson scored his latest victory on a card in Monterrey, Mexico, on Thursday night. The 25-year-old improved to 3-0 in his professional MMA campaign, stopping veteran Hugo Lezama in the opening round of their heavyweight main event at México Fight League 3 (MFL 3). Steveson entered the cage at a career-low weight of 249 pounds, notably leaner than in previous contests.
Lezama (11-4) landed a spinning wheel kick early in the frame, which Steveson absorbed and reacted well to, eventually taking his opponent to the mat and overwhelming him with strikes. The finishing sequence began when Steveson mounted Lezama and landed a heavy ground-and-pound assault. The official stepped in to stop the fight at 3:50 of the opening frame, marking Steveson’s third consecutive first-round finish.
Steveson’s MMA wins have all ended in the first round as the heavyweight prospect continues to drum up interest for a contract with the UFC. Before the victory, he shared his excitement regarding his continued growth in the sport. After retiring from amateur wrestling, Steveson pursued a professional wrestling career with WWE and a football career, which included a brief stint as a defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
The heavyweight is currently training under Greg Jackson at JacksonWink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has also been receiving extensive guidance and mentorship from former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, who was in his corner for the Monterrey bout.
Following the win at MFL 3, fans have speculated that it may lead to Steveson’s possible appearance on the rumored “UFC White House” card expected for June 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Gable Steveson’s corner was urging him to keep his hands up right before he got caught with a wheel kick 😳
(via @uncrownedcombat)
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 20, 2026
Another dominant showing by Gable Steveson, he at least had to work a little for this one. Hugo Lezama’s wheel kick was the only real adversity he faced. Steveson moves to 3-0. #MFL3 pic.twitter.com/5A3V1soqRF
— caposa (@Recorder_Hitman) February 20, 2026
