Jon Jones touts Gable Steveson as future UFC champion: 'It's a matter of when'

Jon Jones has plenty of praise for Gable Steveson, who he believes will become a UFC champion in due time.

Steveson (1-0) dominated the collegiate wrestling landscape for years, leading many to wonder when he would make the transition to the world of MMA, given the success of wrestlers in the sport. That transition is finally underway, as Steveson recently won his MMA debut at LFA 217 in just 98 seconds. He will continue his combat sports journey in an October headliner under the custom ruleset of Dirty Boxing Championship, which is co-owned by Jones.

The former UFC champion believes he has a future UFC champion under his tutelage. Jones has been working with Steveson as a coach and training partner, and has been thoroughly impressed.

When asked if Steveson could become a UFC champion in the future, Jones essentially sees that as a certainty.

"It’s not a matter of if he can, it’s a matter of when," Jones replied on X (formerly Twitter). "I’ve had many great teammates over the years, but I’ve always said if I would ever be a coach it would have to be a Wrestler who was completely committed to success. I found my guy and I’m excited to add world championship coach to my resume."

It’s not a matter of if he can, it’s a matter of when. I’ve had many great teammates over the years, but I’ve always said if I would ever be a coach it would have to be a Wrestler who was completely committed to success. I found my guy and I’m excited to add world championship… https://t.co/4oRBOQvslj— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) September 24, 2025

After winning the gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Olympic Games, Steveson's road to MMA has been a winding one. He went the professional wrestling route, signing with WWE, but things didn't work out after a couple of years. Steveson then tried out with the NFL's Buffalo Bills, but didn't make the 53-man roster in 2024. After returning to the University of Minnesota to continue wrestling, he then turned his focus to MMA. Steveson began training initially at Kill Cliff FC in Florida before linking up with Jones, who invited him to help prepare for the fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The two have been working together ever since.

After announcing his retirement, Jones changed his mind and has recently been campaigning for a spot on next year's UFC event at the White House. UFC CEO Dana White hasn't been keen on the idea, and it remains unclear if Jones would return to compete at another event. If not, he seems excited to help guide Steveson's MMA career all the way to UFC gold.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jon Jones sees UFC gold in Olympian Gable Steveson's future