Joe Rogan is convinced that only one person can address the challenges facing the UFC heavyweight division: Jon Jones. The spotlight is currently on Gable Stevenson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, who is anticipated to achieve significant success in mixed martial arts. Stevenson has recently secured several swift victories, including two MMA wins to commence his career and another under the Dirty Boxing promotion. His impressive speed, power, and athleticism have many expecting him to sign with the UFC soon and quickly climb the ranks. Logan identified the sole individual capable of stopping Stevenson’s rise—and thankfully, that person is his mentor, Jon Jones.
Since retiring from WWE and shifting focus to MMA, Stevenson has been training under Jon Jones, a former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion often discussed in the GOAT debate. Jones, based in Rochester, ended his reign six months ago and aims to return to face Alex Pereira at the White House event in 2026. Although Jones is nearing the end of his career and might not come back if Dana White continues to block his return, Rogan believes Jones is the only heavyweight wrestler who can match Stevenson’s talents. On his podcast, Rogan praised Stevenson’s skills, saying he might even surpass Daniel Cormier and highlighted the fear he and others feel about his combination of wrestling, speed, power, and athletics. Rogan emphasized that Stevenson’s wrestling prowess opens opportunities for striking, making him extremely dangerous.
Stevenson’s primary coach, Greg Jackson, who also guided Jones throughout much of his UFC career, has drawn comparisons between Stevenson and Jones. At FC 21, where Stevenson achieved a remarkable 24-second knockout over Anthony Pettis, Jackson noted Stevenson’s creativity reminiscent of a young Jon Jones. Jackson pointed out their differences in physique but praised their shared inventiveness in fighting style, such as Stevenson’s ability to simultaneously execute a left hook and a double leg takedown, showcasing his unique approach to combat.
Fan Take: This development is electrifying for fight fans as it signals the arrival of a new generation ready to shake up the heavyweight division under the watchful eye of a legendary mentor. Stevenson’s emergence, guided by Jones, could redefine the sport’s future, blending Olympic-level wrestling with innovative MMA techniques.
