Olympic champ Gable Steveson has odds released for potential UFC fights, already favored over Derrick Lewis
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson may be undecided about his combat sports future, but that hasn’t stopped oddsmakers from peering into their own crystal balls.
Steveson, the 21-year-old wrestler who captured gold with a stunning comeback at the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, told MMA Fighting this week that a transition to mixed martial arts is one of the many options he’s entertaining following his championship run. Steveson also sent a tweet to UFC president Dana White with a hand-waving emoji. Now, online sportsbook Bovada has opened a slew of futures betting lines for potential matchups between Steveson and the elite of the UFC’s heavyweight ranks.
The list of opponents who bettors can bet Steveson against include: UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, interim champion Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones, Brock Lesnar, Stipe Miocic, and Derrick Lewis. Steveson is the betting underdog against five of the six potential foes with the exception of Lewis. His underdog odds are biggest against Ngannou.
Steveson told MMA Fighting that if he does decide to go into MMA, he believes he can make an immediate impact on the heavyweight landscape.
“I do believe that with my wrestling skills and me putting on some striking skills, I can be the champion in less than 18 months,” he said. “I can go out there and dominate my way through the heavyweight field.”
Check out Bovada’s opening betting odds for Steveson below*.
Francis Ngannou: -400
Gable Steveson: +300Ciryl Gane: -300
Gable Steveson: +235Jon Jones: -325
Gable Steveson: +250Stipe Miocic: -300
Gable Steveson: +235Gable Steveson: -115
Derrick Lewis: -105Brock Lesnar: -145
Gable Steveson: +120
*Fights must occur in UFC before December 31, 2022.