Steven Asplund enjoyed a stellar rise on the regional scene before landing a UFC contract
Steven Asplund began his career on the pre-pro circuit in 2022 and found great success in Minnesota’s rugged amateur scene, posting a perfect 6-0 record. This run of dominance saw Steven Asplund finish four of his wins inside the box, including two guillotine submissions in the third round. He also added a lot to his trophy case by scoring three heavyweight titles, one under the Midwest Cage Championship banner and two more while fighting in the Minnesota-based organization Ignite Fights.
Making his professional debut in November 2023, ‘Concrete’ ended up winning his first three fights back-to-back, notably kicking off his stellar run in premier mixed martial arts promotion Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). However, it was at LFA 194 in 2024 that Steven Asplund suffered his first setback, losing to future company heavyweight champion Denzel Freeman by second-round submission.
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Freeman would also begin his own journey in the UFC last November, defeating then-undefeated Marek Bujło by decision.
Steven Asplund took the loss in stride and rallied to string together a two-fight win streak over the next seven months, defeating Hammer Morton and Raiden Kovacs. Now back on his feet as a fighter, the heavyweight powerhouse was given the opportunity to compete for a UFC contract Contender series by Dana Whitewho appeared on the show later that fall.
Steven Asplund takes contract and becomes fan favorite heavyweight within three months
When Steven Asplund stepped into the UFC Apex for his most high-profile performance to date, he now found himself in the gaze of not only the top ranks of the UFC, but also a broad international audience, with a phenomenal victory that had the potential to elevate his stardom to new heights. Opposing him in the cage was none other than the then reigning Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC) heavyweight king, Anthony Guarascio.
Undefeated by the time of his clash with Asplund, Guarascio had built a presence as a burgeoning name on the Florida circuit, scoring two first-round knockout victories in the CFFC and becoming their 265-pound king in the process. “The Daywalker” got his own chance to compete for a UFC contract and entered his Contender Series bout with a wealth of experience, having fought as an amateur from 2011 to 2022.
Steven Asplund stuns with thrilling first-round KO and impresses in UFC debut
Despite this discrepancy in perceived skills, Steven Asplund would shock the world by setting up the CFFC heavyweight belt holder in just 16 seconds, knocking Guarascio down in a breathtaking exchange of punches that left him helpless on the canvas. In no time, the Midwesterner had not only won a crowd of new admirers, but also his spot on the UFC roster.
Steven Asplund made his highly anticipated organizational debut on the final card of 2025, UFC on ESPN 73, once again returning to the Apex to blaze new trails as a top professional mixed martial artist in the largest mixed martial arts entity in the world. In donning the UFC gloves for the first time, “Concrete” joined Xtreme Couture product Sean Sharaf, who had already made his freshman foray into the Octagon in a losing bid against Junior Tafa at UFC Vegas 98 in 2024.
In what can only be described as a thrilling boxing battle, the two heavyweights went to battle on their feet, pummeling each other over the course of two rounds, although it was Sharaf who took the most damage after being elbowed in the face, causing blood to flow. Ultimately, however, Asplund managed to wear his opponent down with his non-stop pressure, putting “The Smoke” away after a series of heavy punches and picking up a victory in his first UFC tilt.
The triumph Asplund brought new fame to the promotion’s fanbase for his captivating fighting style and his hilarious yet moving post-fight interview. The match also earned both him and Sharaf a Fight of the Night bonus, sending the two men home with an extra $50,000 for their troubles. The accolades didn’t stop, however, as Steven Asplund made history by scoring the key hits in a three-round UFC fight at 168, cementing his potential status in the division.
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