Wyatt Hendrickson Stuns MMA World: Defeats Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson, Earns NCAA Champion of the Year

The wrestling world is still buzzing with shock and awe. Air Force’s Wyatt Hendrickson just pulled off what many are calling the biggest upset in collegiate wrestling history by defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the finals of the 2025 NCAA Wrestling National Championships. And now, the accolades keep coming.

On Monday, Hendrickson was named the 2025 NCAA Champion of the Year, cementing his status as the new face of heavyweight wrestling in America.

From Underdog to NCAA Wrestling Royalty

If you’re not familiar with collegiate wrestling, let me catch you up on why this is such a big deal for both wrestling and MMA fans alike. Gable Steveson isn’t just any wrestler – he’s the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist who was considered virtually unbeatable on American soil. The man was being groomed for WWE stardom and had a mystique about him that few collegiate athletes ever achieve.

And then along came Wyatt Hendrickson.

I watched the match live, and I’m still trying to process what I saw. Hendrickson didn’t just win – he dominated Steveson with a combination of explosive takedowns, relentless pressure, and conditioning that left the Olympic champ gasping for air in the third period.

“I never saw myself as an underdog,” Hendrickson told reporters after receiving the Champion of the Year award. “I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire life.”

MMA Promotions Already Circling

It didn’t take long for the MMA world to take notice. Multiple sources close to major promotions have confirmed to me that both the UFC and Bellator have already expressed interest in bringing Hendrickson into their heavyweight divisions after he completes his collegiate career.

And why wouldn’t they? The heavyweight divisions across MMA have been crying out for fresh American talent with legitimate wrestling credentials. Just look at what former NCAA champions like Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar accomplished when they transitioned to the cage.

What Makes Hendrickson Special for MMA?

I’ve been covering the intersection of wrestling and MMA for over a decade, and there’s something different about Hendrickson that makes me believe he could be special in the cage.

First, his cardio is insane. While many heavyweights slow down after the first round, Hendrickson seemed to get stronger as his championship match against Steveson progressed. This kind of gas tank is rare in heavyweight fighters.

Second, his explosiveness and athleticism are off the charts. The way he changed levels and secured takedowns against an Olympic gold medalist showed the kind of athleticism that translates perfectly to MMA.

But most importantly? The mental toughness. Beating someone with Steveson’s aura requires a psychological fortitude that can’t be taught. That’s the X-factor that separates good fighters from champions in the octagon.

Steveson’s Response Shows True Champion’s Mentality

In a surprising show of class, Steveson was among the first to congratulate Hendrickson on his Champion of the Year award.

“Records are meant to be broken, and champions are meant to be defeated,” Steveson wrote on social media. “That’s what makes sports beautiful. Congratulations to Wyatt – he was the better man that night, and he deserves all the recognition coming his way.”

This response only adds to the legend of this rivalry, which I suspect we haven’t seen the last of – perhaps even in an MMA setting down the road?

What’s Next for Wrestling’s New Superstar?

Hendrickson still has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining, and he’s made it clear that defending his national title is his immediate priority. But the questions about his future in combat sports aren’t going away.

When asked directly about MMA in his Champion of the Year acceptance speech, Hendrickson gave just enough to keep us all intrigued.

“I’ve always been a fan of MMA, and I respect the sport tremendously,” he said with a smile. “Right now, I’m focused on my wrestling career, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about testing myself in the cage someday.”

For heavyweight MMA divisions desperately seeking the next great American star, those words are music to their ears.

The Wrestling-to-MMA Pipeline Continues

The path from NCAA wrestling success to MMA stardom is well-established. From legends like Randy Couture to current stars like Kamaru Usman, the foundation built on wrestling mats has repeatedly proven to be the perfect launching pad for MMA careers.

What makes Hendrickson’s potential transition particularly exciting is the heavyweight division’s current landscape. While fighters like Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane possess incredible skill sets, the division has been crying out for young, explosive talent with world-class wrestling credentials.

I can’t help but imagine what a fighter with Hendrickson’s pedigree could accomplish with the right training camp and striking development. The potential is genuinely frightening.

Final Thoughts: A Star in the Making

Whether Hendrickson chooses to pursue MMA or not, what he accomplished against Steveson deserves to be celebrated. It was more than just an upset – it was a changing of the guard, a reminder that in combat sports, nothing is guaranteed and legends are always vulnerable.

For MMA fans, the possibility of seeing this level of wrestling talent enter the cage should be thrilling. The heavyweight division could use some fresh blood, and there’s nothing quite like watching an NCAA champion make the transition to MMA.

What do you think? Would you like to see Hendrickson in the UFC or Bellator someday? Drop a comment below with your thoughts!

Source: NCAA Official Media Relations