MMA News: Joe Rogan Backs Jon Jones–Trained Gable Steveson to Be the Next UFC Heavyweight Star
The UFC heavyweight division may soon witness the rise of a new powerhouse, and according to longtime commentator Joe Rogan, the next big thing could be Olympic wrestling sensation Gable Steveson. Rogan recently shared his thoughts on Steveson’s MMA potential, boldly predicting that the decorated wrestler could become the next dominant force in the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight division.
Steveson, who captured gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics, has long been considered one of the most athletic heavyweight wrestlers in the world. His blend of speed, explosive power, and elite grappling skills has made him a standout prospect for mixed martial arts. Now, with reports suggesting that he has been training alongside reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, the hype around his transition to MMA has intensified.
Rogan emphasized that Steveson’s wrestling pedigree gives him a massive advantage in the heavyweight division, where grappling dominance often determines championship success. Historically, many UFC champions have come from strong wrestling backgrounds, and Steveson’s Olympic-level experience could fast-track him to contender status. “If he fully commits to MMA, he could be a serious problem for everyone,” Rogan reportedly stated during a recent podcast discussion.
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Training with Jon Jones is another factor fueling excitement. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, has successfully transitioned to heavyweight and captured the title with his elite fight IQ and well-rounded skill set. Learning directly from Jones could accelerate Steveson’s development, particularly in striking, cage control, and overall fight strategy.
The UFC heavyweight division is currently in an interesting phase. With established names aging and new contenders emerging, the door is wide open for fresh talent. Steveson’s athleticism and championship mindset could position him as a future headliner in a division that thrives on knockout power and physical dominance.
However, transitioning from amateur wrestling to MMA is no easy task. While wrestling provides a strong foundation, fighters must also master striking, submissions, and the mental challenges of cage fighting. Critics argue that Steveson will need time to adapt to the unique demands of mixed martial arts competition. Yet, supporters believe that his natural athleticism and elite coaching environment could shorten that learning curve significantly.
Steveson’s potential UFC debut has already generated buzz among fans, many of whom are eager to see whether he can replicate the success of past wrestling converts who became champions. With Joe Rogan publicly backing him and Jon Jones guiding his preparation, expectations are sky-high.
If Steveson successfully transitions and proves himself inside the Octagon, the UFC heavyweight division could be entering a new era. For now, the MMA world waits to see if Joe Rogan’s bold prediction becomes reality — and whether Gable Steveson will indeed rise as the next heavyweight superstar.
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| Rank | Fighter | Division | Title Defenses | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jon Jones | Light Heavyweight / Heavyweight | 11 | Youngest UFC Champion Ever |
| 2 | Georges St-Pierre | Welterweight / Middleweight | 9 | Two-Division Champion |
| 3 | Anderson Silva | Middleweight | 10 | Longest Title Reign (2,457 days) |
| 4 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Lightweight | 3 | Retired Undefeated (29-0) |
| 5 | Demetrious Johnson | Flyweight | 11 | Most Consecutive Title Defenses |
| 6 | Jose Aldo | Featherweight | 7 | Dominant Featherweight Era |
| 7 | Daniel Cormier | Light Heavyweight / Heavyweight | 3 | Champ-Champ Status |
| 8 | Israel Adesanya | Middleweight | 5 | Elite Striking Champion |
