Steven Asplund: From Morbid Obesity to UFC Heavyweight Success
Steven “Concrete” Asplund is one of the most compelling and inspirational stories in modern MMA and the UFC. From weighing over 525 pounds (238+ kg) and struggling with bullying to becoming a professional heavyweight fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Asplund’s journey is a testament to perseverance, discipline, and self-belief.
At 27 years old, Asplund competes in the UFC’s heavyweight division, known for its powerful fighters and explosive finishes. Standing at 6’5″ (1.96 m) with a 261.5 lb (118.5 kg) fight weight and 78″ (198 cm) reach, he blends athletic size with striking prowess.
In this article, we break down every key aspect of his life and career: height, weight loss journey, early life, MMA record, UFC fight history, and what makes his transformation so remarkable.
Early Life and Background
Steven Asplund was born on July 16, 1998, in the United States. He grew up in Minnesota where both life and athletic aspirations were challenging. Asplund was bullied during his childhood and teenage years, largely due to his weight. This experience shaped his early life and fueled a desire to prove himself.
Unlike many fighters who start training young, Asplund’s journey to MMA didn’t begin immediately in his youth — it began with a critical decision to change his life. Before MMA, he was living with morbid obesity and leading a lifestyle that likely would have compromised his health long-term.
The turning point came when he discovered mixed martial arts — not just as a sport but as a path toward transformation. While inspired by fighters and driven by the desire to shed weight, Asplund committed himself fully to training and self-improvement.
Physical Stats: Height, Reach & Weight
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Height: 6’5″ (1.96 m)
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Weight: 261.5 lbs (118.5 kg)
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Reach: 78″ (198 cm)
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Stance: Orthodox
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Nickname: Concrete — a nod to both his physical strength and his work outside the cage.
These attributes make him a physically imposing heavyweight contender — large enough to compete with the division’s best while still maintaining athletic mobility. The “Concrete” moniker also reflects his life outside the Octagon, where he worked in concrete labor, often alongside his father — another former MMA fighter.
The Weight Loss Transformation
Perhaps the most remarkable part of Asplund’s story is his weight loss journey. At one point in his early adult life, he weighed over 525 lbs (238+ kg). His weight made daily life difficult and raised legitimate health concerns. But driven by a newfound purpose, he shed nearly 300 pounds to pursue professional MMA and compete in the UFC.
This transformation was not only physical but also emotional. Asplund openly shared how overcoming obesity and bullying helped him develop mental resilience — a trait that’s essential inside the cage.
His weight loss journey shows that MMA isn’t just a sport — it can be a life-changing discipline. He traded lethargy and weight-related health risks for rigorous training, sacrifice, and dedication.
MMA Career: Before the UFC
Steven Asplund didn’t explode onto the UFC scene out of nowhere. His early professional career included a number of fights outside the Ultimate Fighting Championship:
Contender Series & Regional MMA Success
Before being signed to the UFC, Asplund competed on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) in September 2025. There, he secured a blistering 16-second KO, one of the fastest finishes in Contender Series history, which earned him a UFC contract.
Leading up to the Contender Series and UFC, Asplund fought in smaller promotions like the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). Across these bouts, he built a 6-1 professional record — a strong performance that showcased his knockout power and competitive grit.
UFC Career Highlights
UFC Debut
Steven Asplund made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape on December 13, 2025, where he faced Sean Sharaf. Asplund won via second-round TKO, in an emotional and dominant performance. Notably, he landed 170 significant strikes — the most ever in a three-round UFC heavyweight fight.
This debut win instantly made waves in the MMA community, not only because of the performance but because of the story underpinning it — a former 525-lb man now competing on the sport’s biggest stage.
Fight Style & Strengths
Steven Asplund’s fighting style leans heavily on striking and power punching, backed by physical size and reach. His knockout ability is evident, as most of his fights are wins by KO/TKO.
Key traits include:
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Heavy hands: Asplund has scored multiple KO/TKO victories.
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Striking output: High volume of strikes landed in UFC debut.
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Cardio & resilience: Despite his size, he has shown surprising gas and endurance.
And while he’s still early in his UFC career, his performance trend suggests he’s more than just a novelty fighter — he’s a serious contender who could break into the heavyweight rankings with continued wins.
Life Outside the Octagon
Aside from fighting, Steven’s life includes:
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A background working as a concrete laborer.
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Family support that kept him motivated, especially through his weight loss process.
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Hobbies like video games and spending time with loved ones.
His father, Kevin Asplund, was also an MMA fighter, making Steven a second-generation athlete who transformed his life through the sport he loves.
Why Steven Asplund’s Story Matters
Asplund’s journey stands out not just for the weight loss or the UFC success — but for the emotional and symbolic value of his transformation. People around the world struggle with body image, weight loss, bullying, and self-confidence. Asplund’s rise shows that with focus and perseverance, it’s possible to turn life around — even if it seems nearly impossible.
At a time when mental health and physical health are both serious global issues, his story inspires fans far beyond the MMA world.
Steven Asplund MMA & UFC Record
| Promotion | Record | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Professional MMA | 6-1 (W-L) | Heavyweight class |
| UFC Record | 1-0 (as of Dec 2025) | 170 significant strikes in debut |
| KO/TKO Wins | Majority of wins | High striking volume |
| Loss | 1 (regional) | via submission |
Social Impact & Fan Reaction
Fans on forums like Reddit and MMA communities have discussed his unusual physique and inspirational transformation, often with admiration for his hard work and commitment. While some conversations online contain lighthearted or insensitive comments, the overall respect for his achievements has been significant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How tall is Steven Asplund?
A: He’s 6’5″ (1.96 m) tall, a typical size for UFC heavyweights.
Q: What did Steven Asplund weigh before his transformation?
A: He once weighed over 525 lbs (238+ kg).
Q: Where is Steven Asplund from?
A: He is from Minnesota, United States.
Q: What is his MMA record?
A: Asplund’s professional MMA record is 6-1 as of late 2025.
Q: When did he make his UFC debut?
A: He made his UFC debut on December 13, 2025, winning by TKO.
Q: What’s his nickname and why?
A: His nickname is Concrete, inspired by both his physical presence and his work in concrete labor.
Q: How much weight did he lose to fight in the UFC?
A: Asplund lost nearly 300 lbs to compete professionally.
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