Jon Jones is preparing Gable Steveson for his upcoming UFC debut. The heavyweight champion has taken an active role in bringing the Olympic wrestling gold medalist into the promotion.
Jon Jones is personally training Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson ahead of Steveson's anticipated UFC debut, with the heavyweight champion taking a hands-on role in preparing the decorated amateur wrestler for professional mixed martial arts competition.
Jones, nicknamed "Bones," brings an extraordinary résumé to the role of mentor. The 38-year-old American holds a 28-1-0 professional record and has long been considered one of the most complete fighters in the sport's history. Standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach, Jones operates out of an orthodox stance and has demonstrated elite-level output throughout his career, averaging 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy. He also contributes meaningfully on the ground, averaging 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him well-suited to help a wrestling specialist understand the full scope of MMA competition.
Steveson arrives in the UFC as one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers to ever enter the promotion. A freestyle wrestling gold medalist at the Olympic level, his grappling credentials are beyond question, though the transition to MMA demands an entirely new skill set beyond the mat.
Why it matters
- Jones is an active heavyweight champion, meaning any fighter he mentors gains immediate credibility and elite-level preparation inside the division.
- Steveson's Olympic pedigree makes him one of the highest-profile combat sports crossovers in recent memory, and the UFC debut carries significant promotional weight.
- The pairing of a dominant wrestling base with Jones's guidance on striking, cage control, and submission defense could accelerate Steveson's development considerably.
- How quickly Steveson adapts to MMA fundamentals will determine whether he becomes a genuine heavyweight contender or remains a prospect with unrealized potential.
