Gable Steveson Scores 24-Second KO in APFC Main Event, Moves to 2–0 in MMA

Former Olympic heavyweight wrestling champion Gable Steveson is wasting zero time announcing himself as a problem in MMA. Steveson improved to 2–0 as a professional mixed martial artist on Sunday night, needing just 24 seconds to flatten Kevin Hein in the main event of APFC 21, a card promoted by former UFC champion Anthony Pettis. The entire sequence was a perfect snapshot of why Steveson is already being discussed as one of the most intriguing prospects in the sport.

Fake the Shot, Land the Bomb

From the opening bell, Steveson did exactly what you’d expect from a world-class wrestler he dipped low and threatened the takedown.

Only this time, it was a trap. As he level-changed, Steveson simultaneously came up top with a devastating left hand that clipped Hein flush. Hein crashed to the canvas unconscious, with Steveson still driving forward in wrestling motion even as the fight was effectively over. The referee rushed in immediately, waving off the bout with Hein out before he even hit the mat. Official time: 0:24 of Round 1.

Two Fights, Less Than Two Minutes of Cage Time

Sunday’s quick finish comes on the heels of another lightning-fast knockout: Steveson needed just 15 seconds to score a stoppage in a Dirty Boxing bout (an exhibition-style contest that doesn’t count on his official MMA record).

Even without that on the books, the numbers are eye-catching:

• Pro MMA record: 2–0

• Combined cage time: under 2 minutes

• Results: Both wins by first-round knockout

For a man once known strictly as a grappler, Steveson is already showing frightening early power.

From Olympic Gold to MMA Blue-Chip

Steveson’s credentials are as good as it gets for an incoming MMA heavyweight:

• Multiple-time NCAA champion

• 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling

• Youngest American heavyweight wrestler to win Olympic gold

After a brief stint with WWE, Steveson pivoted back toward real combat sports, linking up with none other than Jon Jones.

He joined Jones’ camp ahead of the planned Stipe Miocic fight and now considers the UFC legend a mentor, friend, and one of his main coaches as he transitions full-time into MMA.

UFC Bound? Mick Maynard Is Listening

In his post-fight interview, Steveson didn’t bother hiding his ambition.

Once again, he mentioned UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard by name, just as he did after his debut win, making it crystal clear where he sees his future.

Given his:

• Olympic pedigree

• Highlight-reel knockouts

• Heavyweight upside

• And Jon Jones in his corner

…it’s safe to assume the UFC is already watching very closely.

For now, Steveson moves forward at 2–0, both wins by first-round KO, with the kind of buzz most heavyweights can only dream about.

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