Gable Steveson’s journey into mixed martial arts continues to gather momentum, and this time, he is preparing alongside one of the most accomplished champions the sport has ever seen.
As Steveson gets ready for his third professional MMA appearance, the Olympic gold medalist has been training closely with former two division UFC champion Jon Jones. The pair recently shared training footage on social media, offering a glimpse into Steveson’s evolving skill set and the intensity behind his preparation.
With another fight approaching and growing attention from the UFC, Steveson’s path toward the Octagon is beginning to take clearer shape.
Training With One of MMA’s Greatest Minds
Gable Steveson posted a slideshow on Instagram that included moments of live wrestling exchanges and technical work with Jones. The brief mat battle drew immediate attention across the MMA community, not only because of the star power involved, but because of what it represents in Steveson’s development.
Jones has taken on a coaching role during this phase of Steveson’s career, helping him blend elite wrestling fundamentals with MMA specific movement, positioning, and striking awareness.
In one of his posts, Jones praised Steveson’s progress and expressed excitement about his growth, noting how quickly the former collegiate standout is adapting to the demands of the sport.
Building Momentum Ahead of MFL 3
Steveson is scheduled to face veteran fighter Hugo Lezama at Mexico Fight League 3 on February 19. Lezama enters the contest with 14 professional bouts and significantly more cage experience, making him the most seasoned opponent Steveson has faced so far.
For Steveson, the matchup represents another step in testing himself against tougher competition while continuing to build his professional résumé.
At just 25 years old, Steveson remains early in his MMA career, yet his performances have already generated considerable discussion about his long term ceiling in the heavyweight division.
A Fast Start to an MMA Career
Steveson made his long awaited MMA debut last September at LFA 217. The moment did not take long to arrive, as he secured a technical knockout victory over Braden Peterson in just 98 seconds.
The finish immediately showcased his athletic explosiveness and finishing instinct, two traits that have followed him throughout his wrestling career.
Only weeks later, Steveson stepped into the spotlight again, this time competing under the Dirty Boxing banner. In the main event of DBX 4, he dismantled former Bellator fighter Billy Swanson in only 15 seconds, delivering one of the fastest knockouts of the year.
Another Statement Win in November
Steveson returned to MMA action in November, competing for Anthony Pettis’ APFC promotion. Facing Kevin Hein at APFC 21, he once again needed less than half a minute to make an impact.
A powerful left hook ended the contest in just 24 seconds, marking his second straight first round finish in traditional MMA competition.
Through two professional MMA fights, Steveson remains unbeaten with both victories coming via knockout. Combined with his Dirty Boxing success, he has yet to see the second round of any professional bout.
The Influence of Wrestling Excellence
Steveson’s athletic foundation remains one of the strongest assets in his transition. A two time NCAA national champion and Olympic gold medalist, his wrestling pedigree sets him apart from many young heavyweights entering MMA.
However, those close to his development emphasize that Steveson is not relying solely on his grappling background. His training clips show increasing comfort with striking combinations, footwork, and defensive movement.
Working with Jon Jones appears to be accelerating that evolution, particularly in understanding range control and fight IQ at the highest level.
UFC Interest Continues to Grow
The UFC has been monitoring Steveson’s progress closely, and industry insiders widely expect his promotional debut to take place sometime in 2026.
While no official signing has been announced, Steveson’s rapid finishes and marketable background make him one of the most closely watched prospects outside the organization.
His combination of size, speed, and championship pedigree aligns with the UFC’s long term interest in developing elite heavyweights.
Jon Jones Balancing Coaching and Competition
While Jones has embraced his coaching role with Steveson, the former champion has not fully closed the door on his own fighting future.
Jones has expressed interest in competing on a potential UFC White House card expected to take place later this year. However, UFC CEO Dana White has shown little enthusiasm for the idea, particularly after the long delayed heavyweight title unification bout with Tom Aspinall failed to materialize in 2025.
For now, Jones remains focused on mentoring fighters like Steveson while continuing to shape the next generation through experience rather than competition.
A Critical Step in Gable Stevesons Journey
The upcoming bout against Hugo Lezama represents more than another highlight opportunity. It is a test of composure, adaptability, and patience against an opponent who understands how to survive and extend fights.
For Gable Steveson, each contest is another chance to refine his craft before a likely move onto the sport’s biggest stage.
If his current trajectory continues, his time outside the UFC may not last much longer.
With Jon Jones in his corner, growing confidence on the feet, and a string of emphatic finishes behind him, Gable Steveson’s transition from wrestling icon to MMA contender continues to gain serious traction.
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