Few prospects in mixed martial arts history have generated hype like Gable Steveson and according to one UFC legend, that hype might actually be understated. At just 25 years old, Steveson is already regarded as one of the most gifted heavyweights to ever transition into MMA. The former University of Minnesota standout became the youngest American to win Olympic gold in wrestling at the 2020 Summer Olympics, while also capturing two NCAA championships. Now, his early MMA results are only fueling belief that something special is coming.
Steveson is 2-0 as a professional with two knockouts that took just over two minutes combined, along with a brutal 15-second knockout in his Dirty Boxing debut all without the years of cage experience most heavyweights require.
And yet, former UFC welterweight contender Matt Brown believes Steveson already has the tools to dethrone the very best in the division.
“He Could Be Champion Literally Today”
Speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer, Brown didn’t hedge his words when asked about Steveson’s ceiling.
“He could be champion literally today,” Brown said. “If he went in and fought Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane or whoever is the champion. I don’t think there’s a chance anyone has against him.
“Obviously, you always have a chance in MMA, but I think he could be a champion tomorrow. I’d pick him to beat the champion today, keeping it real. I wouldn’t put my money against it if they fought tomorrow. I think Aspinall’s best chance would probably be submission.”
Brown acknowledged that Steveson is nowhere near a title fight in terms of career trajectory but stressed that ability and opportunity are two very different things.
Jon Jones as Mentor Raises Questions
As Steveson continues his transition toward the UFC. He’s leaned on former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones as a coach and mentor. Jones, widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time, has publicly championed Steveson as the sport’s next superstar.
Not everyone sees that mentorship as a positive.
Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub has raised concerns about Jones serving as a role model, given his long history of legal trouble, failed drug tests, and outside-the-cage controversies.
Brown understands those concerns and believes Steveson’s biggest challenge may have nothing to do with fighting.
“Outside the ring, that’s pretty obvious,” Brown said. “Jon’s not the guy to mentor you in life. He doesn’t need to be anybody’s life coach.”
Brown also questioned whether Jones’ immense natural gifts may not be the best example for a young fighter still learning how to push beyond his limits.
“When you’re genetically gifted to be able to work hard, is it really working hard?” Brown asked. “You need to be able to push yourself past the limits of what you’re capable of. I would question if Jon has always done that or not.”
For Brown, Steveson’s success will hinge less on talent which he believes is unmatched and more on discipline, structure, and leadership.
Life Coaching May Be the Key
According to Brown, Steveson’s ceiling is so high that the real danger lies in how he handles fame, expectations, and opportunity.
“Probably the most important thing that Gable needs is the life coaching,” Brown said. “How’s he going to deal with fame? It’s going to be a different level of fame when you’re UFC champion than gold medalist which is already a hefty level of fame.”
Brown believes Steveson’s blend of Olympic pedigree and heavyweight dominance could catapult him into an entirely different stratosphere of stardom.
“The stars are the limit for this guy,” he added.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
