Gable Steveson is a name that’s been echoing across arenas—from wrestling mats to mixed martial arts cages, and even into the world of professional football and wrestling entertainment. But in 2026, Steveson’s focus is razor-sharp: MMA is his battleground, and the UFC’s heavyweight division is his target.
Steveson’s journey, as revealed in his candid conversation with Joe Rogan on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” is anything but conventional. At just 25, Steveson already boasts an Olympic gold medal (Tokyo 2020), two NCAA Division I national titles, and the Dan Hodge Trophy, all by the time most athletes are still finding their footing. His mother named him after Dan Gable, the legendary American wrestler—a subtle nudge toward greatness from birth.
After conquering amateur wrestling, Steveson set his sights on MMA. He started striking training four years ago, but only in the last seven months has he dialed up his intensity. His debut at LFA 217 in September 2025 was a statement: a 14-second knockout, a leap over the ring ropes, and a clear message to the heavyweight division—he’s not just another wrestler crossing over; he’s here to dominate.
Central to Steveson’s evolution is his partnership with Jon Jones, the UFC’s reigning Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion. Their relationship began on Instagram and quickly blossomed into mentorship, with Jones inviting Steveson to his training camp at Jackson Wink in New Mexico. Steveson describes Jones as “unstoppable,” especially after witnessing Jones’s shark-tank training session before a hypothetical fight against Stipe Miocic. The lessons from Jones go beyond technique; they’re about mentality, preparation, and the chess game of combat sports.
Steveson’s wrestling pedigree is matched by his mental approach. He credits his Olympic roots for instilling a “do or die” mindset—a philosophy that’s now the backbone of his MMA career. Unlike his wrestling days, where he avoided watching opponent film, Steveson now studies and strategizes, following Jones’s blueprint for success.
Yet, Steveson’s path wasn’t always pointed at MMA. In 2024, he briefly tried his hand at American football, securing tryouts with the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts, despite never playing organized football before. Bills’ coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane praised his effort, but ultimately, Steveson returned to his combat roots. A stint with WWE followed his Olympic win, including one televised match in July 2023, but the world of scripted entertainment couldn’t satisfy his competitive hunger. By May 2024, Steveson left WWE to fully pursue MMA—a decision he calls necessary for his own growth.
On Rogan’s show, Steveson lamented the lack of major professional wrestling outlets in the U.S. but expressed optimism about “RaF” (Real American Freestyle), a new league aiming to revitalize the sport. The duo also mused on the nature of American sports culture, where athletic talent often gravitates to football and basketball, leaving MMA to attract those hungry for the ultimate test.
They discussed fighters who defy age and expectation, like Yoel Romero, who continues to impress at 48. Rogan praised Petr Yan’s technical mastery as a blueprint for the modern MMA athlete—versatile, disciplined, and relentless. The conversation underscored that in combat sports, greatness comes from embracing the grind and adapting constantly.
The UFC heavyweight division, Steveson and Rogan agreed, remains shallow. While Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane are cited as top contenders, Steveson’s blend of wrestling, improving striking, and mentorship under Jones position him as a potential dominant force. Steveson dreams of fighting alongside Jones at a “White House” event—a symbolic stage for the sport’s elite.
Beyond MMA, the landscape is shifting. Zuffa Boxing—a new promotion launched by TKO Group Holdings (UFC and WWE’s parent company) and Saudi entertainment firm Sela—is set to unify boxing’s fractured world. Paramount+ has secured exclusive broadcast rights starting January 2026. Their inaugural event featured Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, but the sport’s politics remain complex. Steveson and Rogan discussed the recent stripping of Crawford’s WBO title over unpaid fees, highlighting the contrast with MMA’s streamlined championship system.
Steveson’s story is more than a tale of athletic achievement—it’s a window into the evolution of combat sports. From his Olympic wrestling roots and brief NFL and WWE detours, to his rapid rise in MMA and advocacy for wrestling’s future, Steveson embodies the restless spirit of a new generation. As he sharpens his skills under Jon Jones’s watchful eye and prepares to challenge the UFC’s biggest names, the combat sports world is watching closely.
Steveson’s journey illustrates the power of adaptability and mentorship in shaping a modern athlete. With the UFC heavyweight division ripe for disruption and new ventures like Zuffa Boxing emerging, Steveson stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation—his next moves could reshape the future of both MMA and wrestling. Sources: The Joe Rogan Experience, Wikipedia, ITR Wrestling, KSA Sportz, TheWrap.