Certain moments in sports defy rationality. Wyatt Hendrickson‘s win over Gable Steveson was one of those moments. Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion, had not given up a single takedown this season, let alone lost a match. He returned to college wrestling with a single goal: to reclaim his title and solidify his reputation. And for most of Saturday night’s contest in Philadelphia, it appeared that he would. But suddenly, with just seconds remaining, everything changed. Hendrickson grabbed onto Steveson’s leg, refused to let go, and stunned the wrestling world with a last-second takedown that sealed the largest upset in NCAA history. A truly historic moment that was perfectly summed up in one line by Daniel Cormier. So, what did he say?

Taking to his X account, Cormier wrote, “That was the craziest ending in NCAA wrestling history. What a moment. I’m so lucky to say I was here.” That wasn’t just a commentator’s reaction; it was that of a legend watching history unfold in front of his very eyes. Cormier, a two-time Olympian and UFC Hall of Famer has witnessed many memorable events in wrestling and MMA. But even he recognized the difference. It was more than just an upset; it was a seismic shift. The unshakable Gable Steveson had been shaken.

However, this was about more than just one match; it was about what it meant. Steveson left the University of Minnesota to pursue bigger goals in WWE and the NFL, but after failing to gain traction in either, he returned for one final trip in college wrestling. He cruised through the season, looking as powerful as ever—until he ran into Hendrickson. The Air Force wrestler, who had trained under Olympic champion David Taylor, only had one chance to show himself among the finest. And in the last seconds, he accomplished just that.

Even Cormier knew this was something special, as he followed his reaction up with another tweet. He wrote, “And that’s why this match was the main event! Thank you ESPN for making that main event. Even if Gable had won, both the heavyweights really laid it on the line. What a match and what a night!” While Hendrickson celebrates his David vs. Goliath victory, Steveson’s future remains uncertain. Damian Martin on X noted that Daniel Cormier himself chimed in on what could happen next. He tweeted, “Daniel Cormier notes that the MMA world is already excited at the possibility of Gable Steveson fighting.  He would be one of the greatest prospect to ever try it.” Steveson now faces a new task. So, what is it? Well, it is to decide what he does next. Will he take his talent to the Octagon? Well, that surely seems to be a possibility after his recent statements on Bo Nickal.

Gable Steveson might make a move toward the UFC

Gable Steveson’s dream run in the NCAA may have ended, but his career in combat sports is far from over. While the loss against Hendrickson was devastating, it does not erase his Olympic gold medal, collegiate wrestling domination, or sheer athleticism, which have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in recent years. In fact, it may push him into a new challenge: MMA. He’s always hinted at a move to the Octagon, and now that his NCAA days are behind him, the possibility is more real than ever. And there’s reason for believing he could be a problem from the very beginning.

Steveson has already entered the MMA scene, training with none other than Jon Jones ahead of his fight against Stipe Miocic. That wasn’t simply a casual visit to the gym; it was a serious commitment, a trial run for what his future could hold. If that isn’t enough, his recent remarks regarding Bo Nickal demonstrate that he isn’t just simply interested; he is learning. Nickal, another wrestling star, has ripped through the UFC’s middleweight division, and Steveson has been paying attention. “Bo is phenomenal,” Gable Steveson said. “The aura he brings… Bo has every package possible to be the champ right now.”

It’s evident that if Gable Steveson takes the leap, he won’t be doing so halfheartedly. But the promise does not necessarily lead to rapid success. After all, the path to hell is paved with good intentions. For every dominant wrestler-turned-champion like Henry Cejudo, countless others struggle to adjust. Steveson understands this, which is why he avoids rushing in. “I think I can go out there and do a good job and hold my own,” he said. “When the time is right, that door will open.” The question is not if Gable Steveson will fight, but when. And given what transpired in Philadelphia, he may be looking for redemption sooner rather than later. What do you think? Will he find his way to the UFC in 2025? Let us know in the comments.