Jon Jones‘ protege, Gable Steveson, is the following massive title in MMA, and though the 25-year-old has not but signed with the UFC, he’s maybe probably the most mentioned heavyweight fighter on the planet presently.
Whereas Jones just lately hinted at potential retirement and never coming into the octagon once more, he’s getting ready Steveson and has massive plans for the latter.
For the unversed, Gable Steveson is an Olympic wrestling gold medalist, a 2-time NCAA Division I nationwide champion, and a 5-time All-American. He additionally holds a number of different accolades. Steveson made his MMA debut final 12 months at LFA 217 towards Braden Peterson and received by way of technical knockout within the first spherical.
Later that 12 months, he confronted Kevin Hein and as soon as once more secured a first-round stoppage victory. Stevenson at the moment boasts knowledgeable MMA file of 2-0 and goes to face Hugo Lezama (11-3) later this month at MFL 3.
Jon Jones says Gable Steveson will “wreck” different heavyweights
In accordance with Jon Jones, the rising MMA star might be a UFC champion by this time subsequent 12 months. ‘Bones’ just lately confessed that Steveson is a greater athlete than he was at an early stage of his profession, and the 25-year-old goes to “wreck” folks within the UFC heavyweight division. In a latest interview with Helen Yee Sports activities, Jones mentioned:
“He’s [Gable Steveson] unbelievable. He’s an unbelievable athlete, human being. He’s far more disciplined and devoted than I ever was at his age, and I’m scared. I’m scared for the way forward for the UFC. Like, he’s going to wreck sh*t. He’s gonna wreck folks.”
The previous two-division UFC champ added that Gable Steveson has all the pieces in his arsenal {that a} fighter must be a champion, and the latter will seize the UFC heavyweight strap in 2027.
“This time subsequent 12 months, I may see it taking place [Gable Steveson becoming UFC champ]. As soon as he indicators with the UFC, there’s gonna be no stopping him. He can strike, and I feel that’s his weak spot proper now. His grappling is simply by the roof. His takedowns are unstoppable to cease, his floor and pound is efficient, his sense to know the place his physique is always. He simply has all of it. And as soon as he actually learns what he’s doing, it’s not gonna be honest.”
Nonetheless, Jon Jones additionally added that he has to organize the 25-year-old and have him established earlier than the latter steps into the octagon. So UFC followers must wait a bit longer.
“Proper now, we now have objectives exterior of the UFC. We wanna have him established in order that when he will get into the UFC, he has no questions on what he’s able to.”
Take a look at Jon Jones’ feedback beneath (1:58):
The UFC heavyweight division feels prefer it’s shedding its spark. Champion Tom Aspinall is sidelined with an eye fixed harm. Apart from Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Sergei Pavlovich, and some others, followers have repeatedly criticized the division’s athleticism.
With Jon Jones unlikely to ever return, maybe his disciple may assist revive a division that after thrived.
