Jon Jones has shared his thoughts on Gable Steveson’s 2-0 start in MMA.
On Sunday night, the Olympic gold medallist entered the cage to face Kevin Hein at Anthony Pettis FC 21.
Steveson needed just 25 seconds to secure a knockout against his opponent.
After the fight, the 25-year-old again voiced his interest in a move to the UFC, echoing comments he made following his 13-second win last month.
Jon Jones backs Gable Steveson to be heavyweight champion by 2026
Steveson has been training under Jon Jones since making the switch to MMA, and he has not been shy about backing the young fighter.
The UFC icon has already said he thinks the 25-year-old will eventually be a world champion.
Now, he has gone even further, suggesting that Steveson could hold the title within the next year.
‘Bones’ wrote on his Instagram: “Mark my words, Gable will be the most elite heavyweight fighter on the planet within the next 12 months.”
Jon Jones seeks White House return
In 2025, Jones was initially slated for a unification bout against Tom Aspinall, but retired after stepping away from a $30 million deal.
Still, after hearing about plans for a UFC event at the White House in June 2026, he changed his mind and is now pushing to get back on to that historic card.
The 38-year-old is reportedly trying to persuade Dana White to include him on what could be one of UFC’s most memorable events ever.
Regarding that, White said: “I can’t put Jon Jones in a position he can [pull out].
“I had a deal with him to fight Tom Aspinall, and he said, ‘I’m not gonna do it’.
“I can’t be in that position again.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
