This UFC up-and-comer could break through in a big way.
Another year is in the books for the leading promotion in mixed martial arts. With that, focus is turning to a 2026 that promises to be huge for the UFC.
In addition to the UFC’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount getting underway in January following the end of the ESPN era, the organization is planning to stage fights at the White House in June.
Jon Jones is targeting a UFC White House comeback, as is Conor McGregor. After both were away from the Octagon in 2025, next year could feature returns for the sport’s leading global name and its longtime pound-for-pound king.
But aside from former champions, top contenders, and established stars, plenty of exciting prospects could make waves in the new calendar year. In that regard, nobody is better placed than Gable Steveson.
Should the UFC sign Gable Steveson?
Gable Steveson is steamrolling through his opponents
When it comes to the prospect who could make the biggest moves in 2026, some honorable mentions include Aleksandre Topuria, the brother of UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, Payton Talbott, Amru Magomedov, Myktybek Orolbai, and Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaknukov.
But the top spot can only go to one man right now.
Steveson always looked set for a bright future in MMA after becoming the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. Initially, though, his focus was drawn to American football and professional wrestling. Both ventures were a bust for the 25-year-old, who was never able to build momentum in either discipline.
It’s early days, but the same cannot be said for how he’s begun life in MMA.
Steveson secured a 24-second knockout at Anthony Pettis FC 21 in November. The previous month, he debuted in Dirty Boxing with a 15-second KO. September saw him win his MMA debut via TKO in 98 seconds.
Sure, the decorated wrestler is not facing elite competition — far from it. But regardless of opposition level, when was the last time we saw someone knock out an opponent and double leg the unconscious body before they have even fallen?
In a division fraught with unathletic and slow big men, Steveson undoubtedly boasts a skill set capable of getting him to the top. And as a heavyweight, the path up does not have to be a long one.
Jon Jones has made a huge promise about Gable Steveson’s future
Steveson has yet to sign with the UFC, but he made his plea to matchmaker Mick Maynard, who was ringside for the 25-year-old’s Dirty Boxing victory.
For most prospects, the road to gold on MMA’s biggest stage can be a lengthy one littered with hurdles. Not only does Steveson have the prominence and hype to lead to an accelerated run, but he would also be entering arguably the thinnest and least talented division in the UFC.
Beyond a select few toward the top of the weight class, there are next to no names that should scare Steveson, and it is not a stretch to imagine him getting the better of multiple ranked contenders already.
With that in mind, Jon Jones’ bold prediction for Steveson’s future is far from being unbelievable.
Is Gable Steveson destined for greatness in MMA, like Jon Jones is predicting? 🤼
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Steveson has become a protege of sorts for Jones. The former heavyweight and light heavyweight UFC champion has taken the elite wrestler under his wing, marking his first entry into the coaching realm after briefly calling time on his career in the summer.
Given all that he’s achieved in the cage, the impact ‘Bones’ will have on shaping Steveson’s MMA game cannot be understated. When you combine Jones’ help with the shallow nature of the heavyweight division, the 25-year-old could really be up there with the best UFC heavyweights by this time in 2026.
Will he be the most elite heavyweight on the planet, as Jones put it? Tom Aspinall exists, so it will take more than what we’ve seen for me to truly believe that.
But there really could be a world where Steveson has not only debuted and strung together UFC wins, but has also put himself in the title picture by next year’s conclusion.
Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say