Gable Steveson stepped out of his comfort zone on Thursday night and delivered a spectacular knockout finish in the main event at DBX 4.
The 2020 Olympic gold medalist needed just 15 seconds to dispatch former PFL heavyweight Billy Swanson. Steveson dropped his opponent with a huge uppercut and took full advantage of the Dirty Boxing ruleset (which allows up to five seconds of ground-and-pound), as a series of follow-up punches were enough to force the stoppage.
Once referee Dan Miragliotta waved off the bout, Steveson leaped over the ropes and embraced former UFC two-weight champion Jon Jones, a close friend and longtime training partner.
Steveson’s win comes hot on the heels of his successful professional MMA debut at LFA 217 in September, where he stopped Braden Petersen inside the opening round.
Speaking on the mic after his win, Steveson turned his attention to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, who attended the event.
“I think a special guest was here to come watch me,” Steveson said. “Mick, you’ve seen a little bit — I would love to show a lot more. Hopefully, you believe in me, and I appreciate you.”
DBX 4 Results:
- Gable Steveson def. Billy Swanson via knockout – Round 1, 0:15
- Bryan Battle def. Nick Kohring via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:48
- Francisco Trinaldo def. Nayanesh Ayman via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Montavious Ware def. Alexander Schenk via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:36
- Michael Garcia def. Levi Da Costa via majority decision (38-38, 39-37, 38-37)
- Kevem Felipe def. Travis St. John TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:38
- Jaleel Willis def. Peter Stanonik via knockout – Round 2, 2:28
- Ben Parrish def. Braxton Smith TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 3:00
- Andrew Stewart def. Ivanieldo Mettendaf via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- James Cannon def. Zaine Burton via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Desiree Yanez def. Mariya Agapova via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Gabriel Eurit def. Akeem Bashir via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:33
