From Minnesota to the bright lights of Las Vegas, heavyweight Steven “Concrete” Asplund rewrote his life—shedding nearly 300 pounds and the doubts that weighed him down. Tonight, he steps into Dana White’s Contender Series main event with everything to prove.
Once tipping the scales at over 500 pounds, Steven Asplund was an unlikely candidate for the bright lights of a mixed martial arts stage. Yet tonight, the humble heavyweight from Minnesota stands on the precipice of a dream—headlining Dana White’s Contender Series in a main event that could earn him a UFC contract. His story is one of redemption, grit, and unshakeable belief.
“I used to be 500 plus pounds… and now I’m down almost 300 pounds myself.”
Humble Beginnings and a Father’s Influence
Steven’s love for martial arts began in childhood, sparked by watching his father—himself a successful regional fighter—compete across Minnesota. But as a teenager, Steven’s path veered off course. The weight piled on, confidence faded, and the dream drifted out of reach.
“My name is Steven Asplund. I’m a heavyweight from Minnesota… I got to watch my father do it… He was ranked number one in Minnesota for a couple of years.”
It took a personal low to reignite that fire. Heartbreak, a hard look in the mirror, and a promise to change set him on a new path.
Transformation: Shedding 300 Pounds of Doubt
Two years ago, Asplund sprinted toward a better life—embracing daily training, manual labor by day, the gym by night, and an unwavering discipline. Intermittent fasting helped him rebuild habits; his work in concrete construction kept him moving; the gym gave him purpose.
“Intermittent fasting has been a huge part… I also do construction. I’m a concrete guy—hence the nickname. I’m always doing manual labor and then making sure I get my big ass to the gym.”
With every pound lost, confidence grew. The cage followed—and with it, a community that sharpened him daily.
“These boys are coming from a different class and they really helped me amp stuff up… Iron sharpens iron.”
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Fighting with Heart on His Sleeve
Despite his 6’5” frame and heavyweight power, Asplund isn’t afraid to show emotion. He owns his past and channels it into his present. That vulnerability fuels a relentless drive.
“Nobody really likes the true answer. Self-hatred is a motherf***er… I grew up being bullied… I told myself—this has to change.”
Family remains his compass. He fights to make his father proud, to give his daughter a better life, and to honor the people who never stopped believing.
“With all these people behind me, how the f*** can I lose? They’re motivating me.”
The Biggest Stage: Proving Himself on Contender Series
Tonight at the UFC Apex, Steven Asplund embraces the moment he’s bled for. A short-notice call turned into the opportunity of a lifetime, and he took it without hesitation. Win or lose, simply reaching this stage validates the miles he has traveled—physically and spiritually.
“I’m going to keep this going until the wheels fall off… My drive is unlike most people’s. My will is ironclad.”
Expect pressure. Expect heart. Expect “Concrete” to leave every ounce of himself in the cage.
MMA Futures & the Next Generation
As Steven’s story enters a new chapter, he embodies what MMA Futures was designed to celebrate: hungry prospects, real stories, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. From small shows to the sport’s doorstep, we’re proud to help tell the journeys that inspire fans and future fighters alike.
Tune In
Dana White’s Contender Series – Main Event (Heavyweight): Steven “Concrete” Asplund fights tonight. Follow MMA Futures for updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content as this story continues to unfold.
Quotes in this article are drawn from an MMA Futures interview with Steven Asplund.
