UFC Veteran Issues Warning About Gable Steveson's Heavyweight Debut

Matt Brown believes the Olympic gold medalist will dominate the division after training with Jon Jones.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the explosive movements and powerful strikes of a heavyweight MMA fighter, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in deep navy, forest green, and burnt orange colors.Gable Steveson's unorthodox fighting style and elite wrestling background could disrupt the UFC heavyweight landscape.Las Vegas Today

UFC veteran Matt Brown has issued a stern warning to the heavyweight division about the upcoming debut of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson. Brown believes Steveson, who has already recorded three first-round knockouts in his young MMA career, will 'dominate everyone' after training extensively with former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Why it matters

Steveson's elite wrestling pedigree and knockout power make him a unique and potentially transformative talent in the UFC heavyweight division. With Jones guiding his development, Steveson could pose a serious challenge to the current crop of heavyweights.

The details

Steveson, 25, won Olympic gold in 2021, placing him in an elite category of wrestlers who have transitioned to MMA. He has finished all three of his professional fights in the first round via knockout. Meanwhile, Jones, a former long-reigning light heavyweight champion, has been quietly working with Steveson in the gym, passing along his knowledge of translating elite wrestling to MMA success at the heavyweight level.

  • Steveson will make his UFC debut at International Fight Week on July 11 at UFC 329.
  • Steveson won Olympic gold in 2021 at the age of 23.

The players

Gable Steveson

A 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist in wrestling who has recorded three first-round knockout wins in his young MMA career.

Matt Brown

A veteran UFC fighter who has issued a stern warning about Steveson's potential to dominate the heavyweight division.

Jon Jones

A former long-reigning UFC light heavyweight champion who has been quietly working with Steveson in the gym, passing along his knowledge of translating elite wrestling to MMA success at the heavyweight level.

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What they’re saying

“Game over. This guy will dominate everyone.”

— Matt Brown, UFC Veteran

“I told him let's not put any pressure on anything. I want to focus on coaching Gable right now, but who knows what the future holds.”

— Jon Jones

What’s next

Steveson will make his highly anticipated UFC debut at International Fight Week on July 11 at UFC 329, where he will look to continue his impressive knockout streak against the heavyweight division.

The takeaway

Steveson's elite wrestling pedigree and knockout power, combined with the guidance of veteran champion Jon Jones, make him a potentially transformative talent in the UFC heavyweight division. His debut will be closely watched as he looks to immediately establish himself as a force to be reckoned with.