Joe Rogan Wants Dana White to Sign ‘Freak Athlete’ Training Under Jon Jones

Joe Rogan talks reveals he asked UFC CEO Dana White to sign rising Olympic heavyweight Gable Steveson.

Joe Rogan Wants Dana White to Sign ‘Freak Athlete’ Training Under Jon Jones

Joe Rogan asks Dana White to sign Gable Steveson (via MMA Fighting)

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Joe Rogan has never held back when recognizing emerging talent, often giving blunt assessments in discussions across combat sports. His interest was recently drawn to Olympic heavyweight Gable Steveson, whose skill set and athletic profile have caught the eye of analysts. Rogan’s attention added further momentum to ongoing conversations around Steveson’s future.

Steveson is known for his decorated resume as an Olympic wrestler, having achieved success at the highest levels of amateur competition. His athletic pedigree includes major national championships and international accolades that cemented him as one of the most dominant heavyweights of his era. His blend of size, speed, and technical precision remains rare.

There has been significant demand for Steveson to enter the UFC, fueled by his confirmed interest in making the move. He recently secured a first-round knockout win over Kevin Hein at APFC 21, a result that heightened discussion about his readiness. That performance set the stage for Rogan’s latest remarks regarding Steveson’s potential.

Gable Steveson is the ******* guy. He’s not even in the UFC yet. Olympic gold medallist, freak athlete, 250 pounds, moves like a cat. I sent a text message to Dana White, I sent him a video of Gable’s last fight, I said everyone’s ******.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Before APFC 21, Steveson strengthened his case to UFC executive Mick Maynard with a dominant knockout victory over Billy Swanson at Dirty Boxing 4. He had already made a strong first impression by knocking out Braden Peterson in his professional debut at LFA 217. These performances highlighted his growing striking confidence and rapid adaptation to MMA.

Steveson also maintains a well-documented relationship with UFC legend Jon Jones, having trained with him during key developmental periods. He has consistently stated that his work with Jones helped spark his interest in pursuing mixed martial arts. Jones, in turn, has expressed confidence in Steveson’s long-term potential. Their training connection has become a foundational element of his growth.

Gable Steveson’s arrival in the UFC could significantly affect a heavyweight division that has faced instability and shifting contenders. His combination of pedigree and physical attributes positions him as a potentially transformative addition. A debut could influence matchmaking, rankings, and long-term divisional direction. Joe Rogan’s endorsement only heightens expectations for the impact he may bring.

Joe Rogan talks about Dana White’s Powerslap

Concerns around UFC CEO Dana White’s Power Slap league have persisted since its launch, with critics questioning the safety of the format and the long-term health effects associated with repeated unprotected blows. Medical professionals and fans have raised doubts about the risks involved and the absence of traditional defensive techniques.

Joe Rogan's responsibility as a podcaster
Joe Rogan (via Imago)

White has consistently pushed back on these criticisms, defending the sport and addressing medical concerns on multiple occasions. He has maintained that the league operates under regulated conditions and that its detractors misunderstand its structure and oversight. Despite these explanations, skepticism has remained strong. This ongoing divide set the stage for Joe Rogan’s latest remarks.

I think the UFC ****** up when they went with slap fighting. I’ve been telling them forever, ‘You guys should get into kickboxing.’ If you only like standup fights, it’s not like the old days of kickboxing where they were boring. The knockouts are ****** crazy.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Joe Rogan’s comments added a new layer to the broader conversation about the direction of stand-up combat sports and the choices being made at the promotional level. His perspective touched on the long-term implications of prioritizing newer formats over established striking disciplines. As debate grows, the industry continues to weigh innovation against athlete welfare and legacy.

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