Getting into MMA and training with top dogs right out the gate isn’t easy to pull off. If there is something MMA has experienced recently is the onslaught of wrestling heavy style. Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson tested himself with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones for his UFC 309 training camp. Though he came on as a sparring partner, it may have kick-started a journey for him in MMA.
Much like Steveson, another Olympic champion in Henry Cejudo has earned top accolades within the UFC. Cejudo became a member of the elite list of champions, who earned the double champion status. Steveson, being a world class wrestler, revealed his training session with Jon Jones really inspired him to take up MMA.
I mean, I have dipped and dabbed in MMA for a while and after being in that camp with Jon Jones. That definitely put a major spark in me to go out there and do MMA. Not sure of promotion yet, but Jon definitely lit a fire under me.
Gable Steveson via The Ariel Helwani Show
Steveson became the Olympic champion in wrestling at 2021 Tokyo Olympics in 125kg weight class. Impressive background in wrestling, and the urge to improve as an athlete could grant him a promising career in MMA. Training alongside Jon Jones felt right at the home for the young athlete.
The 24-year-old wrestler revealed his desire to fine tune his craft as a mixed martial artist. Whether it will start with UFC or not, that is something Steveson hasn’t figured out yet. The former WWE star revealed that he remained serious about his venture into MMA, even though he hasn’t competed in the sport.
Gable Steveson is asked if he will eventually get into MMA.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/09IeoIFPrr
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 20, 2024
Steveson shed light on his pathway that will eventually lead him into the Octagon as his team is currently in the discussion phase. His jump from WWE to NFL and now eventual debut into MMA seems quite similar to Brock Lesnar. The former WWE star also touched upon his reasons for leaving wrestling in pursuit of a competitive sport.
Jon Jones has set Gabel Stevenson on the same pathway as Brock Lesnar
Gabel Stevenson and Brock Lesnar have a lot in common in terms of career trajectory. Both have made a name for themselves in the world of wrestling, followed by a stint with the WWE. This eventually led Lesnar to the NFL and ultimately the UFC. It looks like the young wrestler is set on the same trail left behind by the ‘Beast Incarnate.’
Gable Steveson reveals reason to leave WWE to follow Brock Lesnar like pathway into other sport (Image via Imago/Open Source)In the case of Brock Lesnar, the long arduous schedule played a big role in his first exit from WWE. Meanwhile, Gable Steveson specified bad timing playing a huge role in disrupting his run. The Minnesota resident revealed not being able to juggle his WWE career with wrestling as another reason for his exit. He further added that it was just not the best fit for him at the time.
It just wasn’t the right fit thing for me. I wanted to keep wrestling and keep going in that direction and WWE had a different direction. Obviously, it’s no hard feelings. It’s never bad blood.
Gable Steveson via The Ariel Helwani Show YouTube
It goes without saying, Steveson crossing over to MMA remains a big deal. He will follow college wrestling icon Bo Nickal as the new American blood in MMA. Nickal had a favorable start in his career and was part of Dana White’s Contender Series. It remains to be seen if Steveson will have a similar path or a road less traveled like Brock Lesnar.
