The NCAA finals are here. With some exhilarating matchups, the interest of wrestling fans and critics alike has peaked at the moment. With the likes of Gable Steveson and Carter Starocci slated to feature in the event, the fans are surely in for a feast. But when it comes to attracting attention, few can rival the Minnesota Gophers star. After all, a look at Gable Steveson’s profile will make every wrestling fan stand up and admire. Well, as it turns out, not only the fans, but a UFC double champion too, is just as excited as the rest of us to watch Steveson’s exploits on the mat.
Well, Daniel Cormier is an avid lover of the sport. Although he transitioned to mixed martial arts, his heart has always remained with wrestling. The UFC double champ recently expressed how much he wanted to soak in all the heated rivalry. Speaking on the matter, he didn’t forget to give OSU the kind of shoutout it deserves. After all, the 46-year-old once wrestled for OSU, with an impressive 52-10 career record. But even then, the one wrestler Cormier didn’t fail to mention was Gable Steveson “Anytime I get to watch Gable Steveson, listen man, it’s the best time of the year for me.” The UFC phenomenon is certainly not alone in thinking that way.
With his eyes firmly set on the third NCAA title, the Gophers star is bound to give his all to prove himself in front of the NCAA crowd, one last time. But his dominance won’t go uncontested. OSU’s Wyatt Hendrickson, who had to beat three top 10 wrestlers to reach the national semis, will be posing a tough challenge. Now here’s the thing, between Hendrickson and Steveson, who is Daniel Cormier rooting for? Surely, his ties to OSU wrestling go way back! Well, when it comes to the UFC double champ, it doesn’t matter. “So it don’t matter who’s wrestling, I’m just here to see ’em”.
Daniel Cormier is PUMPED for the NCAA semifinals! Which match are you most excited for!?
Presented by @CKAwrestling pic.twitter.com/tdJp7NmT3F
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) March 21, 2025
But obviously, for Gable himself and many die-hard Minnesota Gophers fans, the finals hold the possibility for a third NCAA championship.
Gable Steveson eyes dominance and history in final NCAA run with unfaltering
Gable Steveson’s return to the NCAA stage has been nothing short of extraordinary! And as he heads into the final NCAA Championships of his career, the Olympic gold medalist is promising something unforgettable. Steveson has been flawless this season, compiling a 14-0 record with nine technical falls, two pins, and two major decisions. He believes this has been his best collegiate season, both mentally and physically.
Gable shared, “I feel like I am better in a lot of things. I am better as a person, better as an athlete, better as everything in between.” His motivation isn’t just about personal achievement. Rather, it’s now about elevating the Minnesota program and mentoring younger athletes. “Coming back, showing them the leeway about what it takes to be something great at this sport was definitely a big thing,” he said.
Sharing his thoughts at the NCAA Championships press meet, the Gophers phenom added, “I want to finish off the tournament in dominating fashion. I did it for a long time. I can do it again.” Steveson also showed off his confidence saying, “I think this year I’m going to do it in such a way that people aren’t even going to fathom what I’m about to do.”
However, as for his future beyond this weekend, Steveson remains cryptic. “I just want to get through this tournament… and score points,” he said. But he teased something unexpected in store. “I’ve got some things planned. I will take it one day at a time, and make sure everyone sees it.” And after Gable’s recent statements, all eyes will undoubtedly be on him as he looks to close out his legendary NCAA career in spectacular fashion.
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