The jump from WWE to MMA has been a route undertaken by many prominent athletes in the past, including Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and Ronda Rousey, making their notable transitions. And now, Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist and former WWE hopeful, is planning to make a switch to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and training under no one other than UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
Gable Steveson Eyes MMA After WWE and NFL Stints
Gable Steveson was once touted as WWE’s next significant star when he signed a contract with the company after his remarkable gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
His development slowed for a myriad of complicated reasons stemming from the pandemic, which resulted in his release from the organization.
After his exit from WWE, Steveson tried his hand in the NFL, signing with the Buffalo Bills, and unfortunately was released again without making a mark. In 2024, his troubles continued when he could not reverse his luck at the 2025 NCAA World Heavyweight Championship. Now that pro wrestling and football are out of the way, Steveson plans to try to develop a career in the MMA.
Jon Jones Trains Gable Steveson for an MMA Future
Steveson is training with MMA great and current UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones in preparation for the intense rigors of cage fighting. Talking on The Pat McAfee Show, he expressed his thrill at entering the MMA world.
“Just getting my hands certified and ready, ensuring that I can see punches and feel at ease in the cage. I have a wonderful mentor currently. I hope people know a guy named Jon Jones… he’s quite damn good [laughs].
Jones, considered to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, is working with Steveson on striking and cage work, transitioning him from amateur wrestling to professional MMA.
Steveson’s Interest in UFC and Meeting with Dana White
The ex-WWE legend also spoke about how he wanted to meet UFC President Dana White, and according to him, White had contacted him after the 2021 Olympics but there was no official meeting.
“I think MMA is the best outlet for amateur wrestlers. I haven’t spoken to Dana personally, but that’s a meeting I’d love to have face-to-face. After the 2021 Olympics, he reached out, and I know he wanted me to come to Vegas. If I can get in front of him and pitch who I am and who I will be, I think that would be the greatest thing.”
If Steveson signs a UFC contract, he will join the select group of wrestlers-turned-MMA fighters, behind only Brock Lesnar, Henry Cejudo, and Daniel Cormier.
Will Gable Steveson Succeed in MMA?
Only 24 years of age, Steveson still has ample time to hone his craft and make the switch to MMA. Guided by the tutelage of Jon Jones, he stands in the ideal position to polish his striking, grappling, and cage control.
But successful MMA fights need more than wrestling prowess. While Brock Lesnar was a UFC Heavyweight Champion, there are others like CM Punk who could not be successful in the octagon.
If Steveson dedicates himself to the sport and improves his craft under Jon Jones’ tutelage, he can become a heavyweight division contender.
Final Thoughts: The Next WWE to MMA Superstar?
Gable Steveson’s shift from WWE to MMA is gaining pace, and with Jon Jones training him, his prospects are undeniable. If he gets a UFC deal with Dana White, we might see the emergence of a new wrestling-to-MMA crossover sensation very soon.
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