Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division I Heavyweight champion Gable Steveson added another impressive, quick win to his growing mixed martial arts (MMA) resume tonight (Sun., Nov. 23, 2025). In the main event of Anthony Pettis FC 21 (APFC 21), Steveson knocked out Kevin Hein in just 24 seconds inside Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Hein came out aggressively and did everything he could to make it a fight, but it took only one clean left hook from Steveson to end his night. As Hein fell unconscious, Steveson even shot for a power double leg out of sheer instinct — an exclamation point on a lightning-fast finish.
Watch the knockout below:
After his win, Steveson mentioned how UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard was supposed to be cageside to watch him fight, but was still on the plane returning from UFC Qatar — teasing that he wants to compete in the UFC already.
After the win, Steveson revealed that UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard was supposed to be cageside to scout him. However, Maynard was still on a plane returning from UFC Qatar — a detail Steveson used to hint that he’s more than ready for a jump to the UFC.
Steveson (2-0) closes out 2025 with a perfect 3-0 record in combat sports, with each victory coming via first-round knockout. He made his MMA debut by stopping Braden Peterson in under two minutes at LFA 127 (watch highlights), then delivered a 15-second knockout during a one-off appearance for Dirty Boxing (watch highlights). Tonight’s sub-30-second KO adds yet another explosive highlight to his short but dominant run.
While gaining experience on the regional scene is undeniably valuable, a move to UFC may be the next logical — and deserved — step.
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