Gable Steveson Weighs In at 249 Pounds for Lezama Fight

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson weighed in at 249 pounds Wednesday for his first mixed martial arts fight of 2026, setting the stage for a main-event clash against Mexico's Hugo Lezama at Mexico Fight League 3 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. The 25-year-old American, a two-time NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling champion, faces Lezama on Thursday at the Showcenter Complex, where a victory could accelerate his push toward a Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.

Steveson, who has built early buzz in MMA with three quick knockouts since his professional debut last September, appeared focused during the ceremonial weigh-ins. Lezama, weighing in at 238 pounds, met Steveson's gaze in an intense but professional staredown, avoiding any physical altercation. This marks Steveson's lightest fight weight to date, down from 259 pounds in his previous bouts and his amateur wrestling days around 264 pounds. The move to a leaner frame highlights his ongoing adjustments as he transitions from elite wrestling to the demands of MMA.

Last year, Steveson made a rapid impression on the regional scene. In his debut at LFA 217, he knocked out Braden Peterson in under two minutes with a...