Gable Steveson opened 2026 with a dominant performance, achieving a first-round TKO victory over Hugo Lezama at Mexico Fight League 3. The Olympic champion wrestler, now 3-0 in his MMA career, showcased a patient strategy, frequently taking Lezama to the mat but opting for selective striking rather than aggressive swarming. Lezama, a veteran fighter, struggled to find his footing and suffered significant damage before being stopped at 3:50 of the first round.
Steveson’s victory followed a strong finish to 2025, which included three knockouts in a short span across various martial arts promotions. Aiming for a future in the UFC, he expressed interest in debuting on an upcoming card alongside his mentor, Jon Jones. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged Steveson’s potential and highlighted the promotion’s interest in signing him once he gains more experience.
The fight results from Mexico Fight League 3 included other notable bouts, such as Edgar Escalega’s submission win and Matias Morello’s TKO victory. Steveson’s journey reflects his impressive background as a two-time NCAA champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist.
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