Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson (3-0) has credited former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones for his rapid MMA rise.
Steveson, 25, started working with Jones when the latter recruited him to mimic Stipe Miocic’s wrestling during his 2024 training camp. Jones has been vocal about Steveson’s ceiling, stating on record that the Olympian will not only sign with the UFC but will likely become a heavyweight champion.
The partnership hasn’t been without its detractors. Some have questioned whether Steveson should align himself so closely with Jones, whose career has been marred by legal issues and drug-testing controversies. Steveson dismissed these concerns, describing Jones as a “consummate professional.”
“The dude’s a legend but he’s also my close friend now. He’s my close friend, he’s my coach, he’s everything in between. It’s an honor to be with someone like that and for someone to guide you along the way with that kind of stature is crazy.
“I take everything he says, I take it and I soak it all in and I try do the best I can to make sure he’s proud and make sure all the other coaches are proud. Right now, everybody’s smiling ear to ear and we’re going to keep it that way. He’s perfect. He’s everything you want in a coach. He shows up on time. He’s ready to work. He’s ready to work overtime, also,” Steveson said