Joe Rogan Amazed by Jon Jones’ Personal Request to Olympian Gable Steveson

Gable Steveson talked to UFC veteran commentator Joe Rogan about his first meeting with former heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Joe Rogan Amazed by Jon Jones’ Personal Request to Olympian Gable Steveson

Joe Rogan gets to know about Gable Stevenson and Jon Jones' relationship (via MMA Fighting)

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Gable Steveson has recently re-entered the spotlight due to his growing acquaintance with former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Steveson is an Olympic wrestling gold medalist and is now looking forward to making a potential UFC debut soon. All this new attention started with his first collaboration with Jones, which left Joe Rogan surprised after hearing about it.

Gable Steveson initially went viral for training with Jon Jones for the Stipe Miocic fight back in 2023. Jones finally fought the heavyweight GOAT in November 2024 and won the fight via TKO after months of anticipation globally. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Steveson shared how he and Jones got into contact for the first time. 

I knew Jon from Instagram. He sent me a DM, he sent me his number. So, I called him. This was before he got hurt for the first Stipe fight. He said, ‘I want you to come practice with us, I want a wrestling partner.’ Me and Jon hit it off like that.

Gable Steveson via JRE MMA Show #172 

Steveson mentioned how training with Jon Jones and watching him in action up close helped engrave a deep hunger for MMA. The wrestler explained how he was fascinated by Jones being the best of all time, always staying steps ahead of opponents. Gable Steveson later made his professional MMA debut with LFA, continuing his transition from elite wrestling into mixed martial arts.

He also competed in other promotions, gaining cage experience while adapting his Olympic-level grappling to striking-based combat situations. Steveson further tested himself in Dirty Boxing, a new combat format that blends boxing and clinch fighting elements. Dirty Boxing was co-owned by Jon Jones in collaboration with Mike Perry, and Steveson emerged victorious in his appearance.

Jon Jones has often praised Gable Steveson publicly, claiming he has the ability to become the UFC heavyweight champion soon. Jones highlighted Steveson’s wrestling dominance, athleticism, and mindset, suggesting his transition to MMA could be special.

Joe Rogan also seconded those views, stating that Steveson already looks like one of the best heavyweights in the world. Rogan added that with proper development, Steveson could rapidly rise and compete with elite UFC heavyweights.

Joe Rogan talks about the bad state of UFC heavyweight division 

Following Jon Jones’ retirement, Tom Aspinall became the undisputed heavyweight title holder, creating massive excitement among fans worldwide ahead of anticipated clashes. Supporters were hyped for his showdown with Ciryl Gane, but events quickly unfolded differently at UFC 321. 

The UFC heavyweight mess
The UFC heavyweight mess (via X)

Aspinall suffered an injury, and Joe Rogan suggested recovery after surgery could be uncertain long-term, creating doubts around timelines ahead. Those concerns have opened a huge void and created no excitement within the UFC heavyweight division.

The division already lacks depth, with very few proven elite fighters consistently active and available for title contention right now. As uncertainty grows, the heavyweight landscape feels unstable, intensifying calls for new contenders to emerge quickly.

The heavyweight division is so shallow right now. You got Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones if he chooses to fight again, Francis Ngannou if the UFC brings him back. Other than that, no one compelling, like a championship-caliber fighter. There’s basically four or five guys on earth that are in this championship-caliber class

Joe Rogan via JRE MMA Show #172

Aspinall’s current state remains uncertain, but he has promised a grand comeback and vowed to eventually fight Ciryl Gane. Jon Jones has also promised to fight at the White House event, with Alex Pereira mentioned as a possible opponent. It will be interesting to see how the promotion tackles this heavyweight mess and restores clarity to the division.

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