Gable Steveson, still early in his MMA career, is already showing some of the qualities that helped Jon Jones reach the top of the sport.
Gable Steveson’s MMA rise continued last weekend with another dominant performance, pushing the Olympic gold medalist to 2–0 and solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects. Although he has yet to face a true test, fans and analysts are already calling for him to sign with the UFC and inject energy into a stagnant heavyweight division. Training alongside the team that shaped Jon Jones’ legendary career, Steveson is benefitting from elite guidance — and one coach believes he mirrors the UFC great in a key way.
Greg Jackson, who helped develop Jones into a two-division UFC champion, has worked closely with Steveson and sees shades of “Bones” in the young star. And according to him, the similarity has nothing to do with physique or fighting style.
Greg Jackson says Steveson shares Jon Jones’ creativity
Speaking on Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel, Jackson said Steveson’s creativity inside the cage evokes memories of a young Jon Jones — a trait that helped define Jones’ early rise. While the two athletes have completely different builds, Jackson noted that both possess an ability to improvise, innovate and blend techniques in unexpected ways.
As an example, Jackson pointed to Steveson landing a left hook and shooting a double-leg takedown simultaneously during his APFC 21 win on November 23. That kind of spontaneous decision-making, he said, is exactly the gift Jones is trying to instil in his training partner as he develops into a more complete mixed martial artist.
Steveson shares Jon Jones’ advice before his second MMA win
In the same video, Steveson opened up about his mindset heading into his most recent fight. He revealed that Jones’ main advice was simple — be loose, be creative and enjoy the moment. Steveson, who has competed in massive arenas as both a wrestler and briefly as an NFL player for the Buffalo Bills, said he focuses on dominating every challenge rather than being overwhelmed by pressure.
With his elite wrestling base and remarkable athleticism, Steveson may not need to show the full extent of his creativity just yet. But if Jackson and Jones are right, the heavyweight division could soon witness an unpredictable, dynamic fighter with the same inventive spark that helped shape one of the greatest careers in UFC history.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
