UFC Insider: Gable Steveson Is the 'Fast Track' to Replacing Jon Jones

Chael Sonnen believes the UFC will push Steveson into high-profile fights to build him as the 'New Heavyweight King'

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:22am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a heavyweight MMA fighter, conveying the raw power and athleticism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a powerful heavyweight fighter, hinting at the explosive potential of rising star Gable Steveson.Las Vegas Today

Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist with a growing MMA resume, was recently signed by the UFC. According to former fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen, the promotion plans to fast-track Steveson into meaningful fights rather than easing him in, in order to replace the unpredictable Jon Jones as a top heavyweight star.

Why it matters

With Jon Jones' future in the UFC uncertain, the promotion is looking to build a new heavyweight star. Steveson, who has trained under Jones, represents a rare opportunity to develop a new dominant force in the division.

The details

Sonnen believes the UFC will push Steveson into high-profile matchups to build him as the 'New Heavyweight King,' citing Jones' difficult relationship with the promotion and his tendency to act on his own terms. Steveson, 25, has already gained momentum with three knockout wins and strong wrestling credentials from his Olympic gold medal.

  • Steveson was officially signed by the UFC during the UFC 327 broadcast.
  • Steveson is likely to make his UFC debut at UFC 329 during International Fight Week.

The players

Gable Steveson

A 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist with a rapidly growing MMA resume, who was recently signed by the UFC and is expected to be fast-tracked into high-profile fights.

Jon Jones

A former UFC light heavyweight champion with a difficult relationship with the promotion, who is seemingly stepping away from the sport.

Chael Sonnen

A former UFC fighter and current analyst who believes the UFC will push Steveson to replace Jones as a top heavyweight star.

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What they’re saying

“Jon Jones is by your side, and Jon doesn't know what he wants to do, and Jon likes to have power over a company. One of the best things you can do is to take Jon's protege and put the protege in Jon's spot.”

— Chael Sonnen, Former UFC Fighter and Analyst

“If Gable Steveson gets his boxing with calf kicks right on his stand up, that's all he needs with a bit of sitting down on his shots with a machine gun jab. He can possibly be the best heavyweight UFC will ever have after Jon Jones.”

— Darren Till, UFC Fighter

What’s next

No opponent has been confirmed for Gable Steveson's UFC debut at UFC 329, but if Chael Sonnen's prediction is accurate, the Olympian may soon face a ranked contender as the UFC looks to fast-track him into high-profile fights.

The takeaway

The UFC is positioning Gable Steveson as a potential replacement for the unpredictable Jon Jones at the top of the heavyweight division. Steveson's strong wrestling pedigree and growing MMA skills make him an attractive option to build into the division's next dominant star.