Brace yourself—what we see now is just the beginning, and the true test is yet to come. Gable Steveson has generated quite a buzz as one of the most promising heavyweight talents to enter mixed martial arts (MMA) in recent years. But here’s where the controversy begins: before declaring him the next big star, UFC President Dana White insists that we need to see what this Olympic gold medalist can really do inside the Octagon. Only then can we truly judge his potential.
Dan Hiergesell, a seasoned MMA analyst and the weekend editor for MMAmania.com with over 15 years of experience, highlights this cautious approach. He’s been a longtime observer of MMA’s evolving landscape, having appeared on notable programs like Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club.
Gable Steveson, renowned for his exceptional wrestling skills, is on the verge of making a move into UFC competition later this year. Although his professional MMA record currently stands at an undefeated 2-0, it’s still early days, and he’s being guided toward an even bigger stage. With the mentorship of UFC legend Jon Jones, Steveson is expected to expand his fight repertoire and aim for significant success in 2026.
In just two fights, Steveson has already turned heads. He looked dominant and remarkably fast, prompting UFC commentator Joe Rogan to speculate that the Olympian might already rank among the top five heavyweights in the UFC—despite having yet to step inside the Octagon. Such high praise, of course, sparks debate: can a fighter's hype outweigh actual in-ring performance? Rogan’s opinion underscores the hype around Steveson’s extraordinary speed and elite-level wrestling abilities.
Nevertheless, Dana White remains cautious. While he recognizes Steveson’s raw talent and potential to rise to elite status, he emphasizes that until the wrestler tests his skills against true UFC-caliber opponents, it’s premature to make definitive judgments. White suggests that his organization might bring the talented athlete onto the Contender Series in 2026, a proving ground often used by the UFC to evaluate emerging prospects before awarding a full contract.
White’s message is clear: "You don’t truly know until we see him in action. It’s easy to speculate, but reality only unfolds when he fights in the UFC. No matter how impressive someone looks on paper, everyone appears human when they step into the octagon for the first time." This perspective serves as a sobering reminder that hype must always be tested in the brutal crucible of competition.
What’s your take on Steveson’s quick rise? Do you believe he can live up to the lofty expectations, or is all the hype just that—hype? Let us know your thoughts—do you agree with White’s cautious approach, or are you convinced Steveson is destined to dominate? The debate is open, and the future will tell if this Olympic hero can translate his wrestling prowess into MMA greatness.
