“What’s next for me is I’ve been boxing, I’ve been putting on the gloves, doing jiu-jitsu classes, trying to get ready for an MMA career or right after I stepped off the mats Saturday night, just a couple of calls from a few new teams in the NFL,” confirmed NCAA star Gable Steveson last month, closing the chapter on his collegiate wrestling career. And why not? The Apple Valley native didn’t get the fairytale ending he wanted. His fourth appearance at the NCAA Championships in 2025 after a brief retirement didn’t go his way. How?

After nearly a two-year break from college wrestling, his highly anticipated return fell short of expectations. Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson spoiled his dream comeback, achieving what many, including Daniel Cormier, call one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history. Hendrickson didn’t just win a match; he ended Gable Steveson’s staggering 70-match win streak—an elite run in college wrestling. The bout may have favored ‘The Golden Gable’ on paper, but when the dust settled, it was Hendrickson who had his hand raised.

Still, Steveson’s post-wrestling plans stole headlines just as quickly. With his MMA ambitions now public, fans are excited to see a new powerhouse enter the cage. But critics aren’t so sure. They’ve raised concerns about his sudden shift in focus, pointing out that ‘The Golden Gable’ has never really committed to one path in sports. At just 24 years old, Gable has already worn many hats, making appearances in WWE’s NXT and even briefly joining the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Some believe it’s time for him to pick a lane and focus. But former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley disagrees. Speaking on the Versus Us with Erick Nicksick podcast, ‘The Chosen One’ backed Gable Steveson’s decision to branch out, relating it to his own journey. “I mean, Gable wasn’t taking it easy,” Woodley said. “He didn’t have a bad match, right? The kid simply wasn’t going to be denied that takedown. A lot of people might say, ‘Oh, he’s doing WWE, he’s doing this, he’s training MMA guys’—but stop. Some people are made to juggle multiple things. For some, having that extra distraction is necessary,” Woodley continued.

“It’s how they thrive. They might have all this extra energy. I was that person. Don’t tell me not to pursue other arts. When I stopped doing other things is when I had my worst performances,” the former champion explained.

Once a dominant force in the Octagon, Woodley retired from MMA at 38 after suffering four consecutive defeats inside the Octagon. However, this was merely the start of a new chapter for the former two-time champion, who ventured into boxing with a high-profile crossover bout against Jake Paul, losing both encounters.

Recently, Woodley joined the newly established Global Fight League, though its official debut outing has been delayed. His insightful words are undoubtedly an inspiration to rising stars like 24-year-old Steveson. But not everyone agrees with this approach, including a UFC veteran who has reservations about the idea. Let’s dive into why!

Chale Sonnen gave Gable Steveson a reality check

While Tyron Woodley saw no issues with Gable Steveson’s shift in career goals, UFC legend Chael Sonnen is less convinced about the 24-year-old’s strategy. Earlier this month, it was announced that ‘The Golden Gable’ would compete in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match against Craig Jones at the Craig Jones Invitational 2, set for August. However, Sonnen didn’t approve of the move, drawing a comparison to Bob Sapp—a fighter known for his high-profile bouts in the Japanese circuit. Sapp, who also dabbled in football, MMA, boxing, and acting, saw his career falter due to PED use and other controversies surrounding his diverse pursuits. Sonnen warned Steveson against following a similar path.

Speaking on his ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ YouTube channel, Sonnen said, “Was he [Bob Sapp] a football player? ‘Cause he played a little bit of football. Was he a kickboxer? I saw him in K-1. Was he MMA? Most of those look like work. It’s just one of these spots, and Gable [Steveson] is flirting with that.”

Sonnen was particularly critical of Steveson choosing to compete in a grappling event with Jones instead of focusing on the 2028 Olympics. He urged Steveson not to squander his prime years on divergent ventures. Sonnen added, “There will be money. There will be an opportunity… And there would be nothing wrong with doing it. I’m just sharing that those opportunities aren’t going to stop coming Gable’s way anytime soon, and they’re gonna get sillier and sillier… The silliness is not going to end until Gable makes it end. Time will go on. Before you know it, you’re 30, you’re 32.”

What are your thoughts on Tyron Woodley’s perspective? Do you think Gable Steveson should explore different disciplines, or should he focus on one specific path in the sports world?