Gable Steveson just dropped a bomb on the combat sports world. As if stepping into a high-stakes grappling war against submission phenom Craig Jones wasn’t bold enough, the Olympic gold medalist is now turning heads with a training move no one saw coming.
Forget easing into the game. Steveson is going full throttle, calling on an UFC legend to sharpen his edge ahead of the August 31st clash in Las Vegas. That’s right. Arguably, the greatest fighter in MMA history is now in his corner.
So who’s the UFC legend training Steveson? Well, it’s none other than Jon ‘Bones’ Jones. The shockwave hit after a video surfaced on Instagram, showing Jones personally putting Steveson through striking drills. The timing raised eyebrows, especially with the match being a pure grappling contest. But make no mistake, this is no publicity stunt. The footage revealed a focused Jon Jones coaching with intensity, and a hungry Steveson soaking up every detail. The partnership isn’t just training. It’s transformation.
Steveson has never been shy about his admiration for Jones. And that respect has now turned into mentorship, as the two champions reconnect at a pivotal moment in Steveson’s career. With the wrestling foundation already built, Jones is helping forge the rest. Teaching the mindset, movement, and muscle memory needed to dominate in all realms of combat.
This isn’t just any debut. Craig Jones is known for dismantling even the most seasoned grapplers with surgical precision. Last year, he made headlines after submitting Gabi Garcia in a daring intergender bout. Steveson, meanwhile, is rebounding from a narrow loss at the NCAA finals. A rare blemish on his record. He’s entering this clash not just with something to prove, but with Jon Jones in his corner, helping him build a game that goes far beyond traditional wrestling.
With CJI 2 set to light up Las Vegas during the IBJJF Masters Worlds weekend, the countdown is officially on. Gable Steveson is coming. He’s bigger, sharper, and now, backed by the brilliance of Jon Jones. Craig Jones may have the mat. But Steveson is bringing a storm. And together with Jon Jones, the NCAA phenom is also looking to transition into the UFC.
Gable Steveson leans on Jon Jones as he eyes UFC jump
Gable Steveson isn’t ruling out the possibility of stepping inside the Octagon. And he’s got one of the greatest to ever do it guiding his every move. The Olympic gold medalist and wrestling sensation opened up on The Pat McAfee Show about what could be next, and MMA is clearly on his radar. Steveson is being mentored by none other than Jon Jones, and their growing bond might just pave the way for Steveson’s potential leap to the UFC.
“I got a great mentor right now. I hope a lot of people know a guy named Jon Jones…he’s pretty damn good [laughs],” Steveson said, fully aware of the magnitude of having the former UFC champion in his corner. Acknowledging his contribution, Steveson added, “I appreciate his efforts of trying to lead me into the right direction and taking my back and giving me the direction I need.” With Jones helping him understand cage awareness, timing, and the brutal mechanics of MMA, Steveson’s words painted the picture of a determined rookie looking to transition with purpose. “Just making sure I can get my hands certified and ready,” he explained, focusing on the fundamentals. The star wrestler further stated, “Getting in and getting out of the way.”
Though no formal UFC talks have occurred yet, Steveson hinted at unfinished business. “I have not spoken to Dana personally…that’s one meeting that I would love to have face-to-face,” he said. With his wrestling pedigree, star power, and Jones in his corner, Steveson’s crossover ambitions suddenly feel a lot less hypothetical. And a lot more like a matter of time.
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