Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and MMA newcomer, is poised to make his UFC debut at UFC 329, and he's got a secret weapon in his corner: Jon Jones. Steveson's journey into the world of MMA is an intriguing one, and his association with Jones adds an extra layer of excitement to his upcoming fight against Elisha Ellison.
Steveson's MMA career has been nothing short of impressive. With a perfect 3-0 record and three first-round finishes, he's quickly risen through the ranks. His most recent victory, a tech fall win against former UFC fighter Alexandr Romanov, showcased his wrestling prowess. But it's his connection with Jones that truly sets him apart.
Jones, a former two-division champion and all-time great, has been a mentor and a source of inspiration for Steveson. The 26-year-old Steveson sees Jones as a role model, and his presence in the corner is a massive confidence booster. As Steveson steps into the octagon, he knows that Jones' reputation will strike fear into the hearts of his opponents.
"I think it’s a big thing to have Jon Jones in my corner,” Steveson said. “It’s a big confidence booster. And if you look when we walk out and Jon walks out, the opponents are going to look at Jon and be like, ‘Wow, that’s the greatest of all time in the corner of Gable Steveson showing him what to do. What is Gable Steveson possibly going to do to me that Jon has taught him.’"
Steveson's confidence is understandable, given Jones' legendary status in the MMA world. The thought of Jones in the corner, watching and guiding Steveson, is a powerful motivator. It's no wonder that Steveson believes it will create additional fear for his opponents.
But the story doesn't end there. Jones' retirement and subsequent return to the sport have been a topic of much speculation. With Steveson now in the UFC, the question arises: could Jones make a comeback and share a card with the rising heavyweight prospect? Steveson, while open to the idea, acknowledges that Jones will do whatever he wants.
The potential return of Jones adds another layer of intrigue to Steveson's journey. It raises questions about the future of the heavyweight division and the impact it could have on the sport. Could Jones' return spark a new era of competition? Or will he remain on the sidelines, watching from the sidelines as Steveson makes his mark?
In my opinion, Steveson's association with Jones is a fascinating development in the MMA world. It showcases the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on a young athlete's career. The potential return of Jones adds an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty, leaving fans and fighters alike wondering what the future holds. From my perspective, this story is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
