UFC fans have been buzzing ever since Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson dominated his MMA debut at LFA 217 last month. Competing in Prior Lake, Minnesota, Steveson needed just 98 seconds to secure a first-round TKO over Braden Peterson, exhibiting his smooth transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts. The young heavyweight’s rapid rise has revived talks about a quick path to the UFC, particularly with the historic White House event on the way.

Steveson’s journey has been closely led by Jon Jones, the legendary fighter who is now also his coach. Under Jones’ coaching, Steveson has worked on expanding his arsenal beyond wrestling, including striking, cage control, and submission awareness. That mentorship was clear in his debut, when he controlled every phase of the fight before pushing the referee to call a stop in less than two minutes.

Gable Steveson in place of Jon Jones at the White House?

Analysts and fans have dubbed it a “statement performance,” leaving the MMA world wondering when we’ll see him face the sport’s elite. Well, it seems like fans won’t have to wait much. When asked about the likelihood of making his UFC debut, the Olympian remained quite optimistic. “With the calls of the right people and making sure that I’m ready and on time, I think it’ll be very quick,” he told MMA Junkie.

He stated that while the UFC has reached out in positive terms, he is taking things slow for now. However, he did confirm that fans may get to see him fight at the historic White House event. He said, “I think it’ll be a great thing to have an Olympic champion and USA Wrestling’s finest, you know. There hasn’t been a USA Olympic champion in 20 years, and somehow I captured it at 21 years old.”

Steveson continued, “You’re not far off from saying Gable Steveson can be in the White House and represent the US, and walk out with that flag and go through anybody who steps in front of me. So, I believe it. I do believe it. I think it would be super perfect.” Well, it seems like while Dana White may stop Jones from directly competing in the event, his protégé might replace the coach on the card instead.

Will Jones really step back fully into coaching, or could he appear on the same card? This is one question that remains unanswered for now. However, the one thing ‘Bones’ is completely sure about is Steveson’s champion caliber and how the Olympian is a “cheat code” for every coach who wishes to take his student to the top of the heavyweight throne.

Jones declares Steveson as a future UFC champion

Steveson’s remarkable rise has captured Jones’ full attention, and the former UFC champion is adamant about the Olympian’s future. ‘Bones,’ who helped Steveson through his transition from wrestling to MMA, guiding him throughout the process, has been nothing but impressed by the athlete’s natural talent and dedication. In fact, Jones feels the young fighter is more than a prospect; he is meant to become a UFC champion.

Jones doesn’t mince words when discussing Steveson’s potential on X: “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 coach to my resume.” Steveson’s past as an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling only strengthens Jones’ belief in his student’s potential.

The duo has been methodically training, with Jones bringing Steveson into the UFC 309 camp to hone his talents against top-tier fighters. This hands-on training has already paid off, as proven by Steveson’s first-round TKO victory at LFA 217 in 98 seconds. With ‘Bones’ fully dedicated to teaching Steveson, the focus is now on turning promise into a championship reality.