Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and MMA prospect, 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 to the UFC has been an intriguing one, and his association with Jones adds an extra layer of intrigue to his upcoming fight against Elisha Ellison.
Steveson's MMA career has been a whirlwind of success, with a perfect 3-0 record and three first-round finishes. His lone appearance for Dirty Boxing ended in a stunning 15-second knockout win, showcasing his raw talent and potential. 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. In fact, Jones has been more enthusiastic about Steveson's future than his own. Steveson shared, "He’s got high hopes for me. I think he kind of sees his skill set, and kind of sees what I can do with his skill set and how I can kind of manage who Jon Jones was, and be the athlete that he was also. So I think that’s why he’s so giddy."
What makes this relationship particularly fascinating is the potential impact it could have on Steveson's opponents. Steveson believes that Jones' presence in his corner will create a psychological edge, instilling fear in his opponents. He explains, "I think it’s a big thing to have Jon Jones in my corner. 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.’"
This raises a deeper question: How much does a fighter's cornerman influence their performance? Steveson's situation is unique, as he has a fighter of Jones' caliber in his corner. This dynamic could be a game-changer, but it also highlights the importance of a cornerman's role in MMA. In my opinion, a cornerman can significantly impact a fighter's mindset and performance, especially when they have a legendary figure like Jones in their corner.
However, the story doesn't end there. Jones' own MMA career has been a rollercoaster, with retirement and title vacancies. His recent announcement about the UFC White House has sparked speculation about a potential return to the octagon. Could Jones and Steveson find themselves on the same card in the future? Steveson thinks it would be cool, but he also acknowledges Jones' autonomy. He says, "Yeah, it would be really cool if he fought again, but Jon’s going to do whatever Jon wants to do, and if he wants to fight again, he’ll fight again, but we’ll see."
In conclusion, Gable Steveson's UFC debut is more than just a fight; it's a showcase of mentorship and the power of a cornerman's influence. As Steveson steps into the octagon, he carries the weight of Jones' legacy, and his opponents will surely feel the impact. This story is a testament to the intricate dynamics within MMA, where a fighter's success can be influenced by the people around them. It's a fascinating insight into the sport, and I can't wait to see how Steveson's journey unfolds.
