I am humbled to have some of the best athletes in the world supporting me through this camp. “Be comfortable even if it’s uncomfortable.” pic.twitter.com/q0vqcfiNIF
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
October 8, 2024
Jon Jones’ longtime coach Brandon Gibson believes wrestling superstar Gable Stevenson has the potential to be a future mixed martial arts champion.
Jones (27-1) will defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic (20-4) in the main event of UFC 309 on November 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Many, including Gibson, believe this could be the final step into the Octagon for “Bones,” who had hinted at retirement numerous times leading up to the fight.
In preparation for UFC 309, Jones assembled talented training partners from various disciplines of combat sports. That group includes multiple-time jiu-jitsu world champion Gordon Ryan and Olympic gold medalist wrestling Gable Stevenson. Gibson sees championship potential in Stevenson, who has considered a move to MMA in the past. According to Gibson, Jones himself is also a good coach, perhaps good enough to lead Stephen to UFC championship glory one day.
UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic. Saturday at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+. Order now!
When 37 is with these two, every part of her is felt. I’m embarrassed, but I’m grateful. pic.twitter.com/2B76C4vokz
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
October 9, 2024
“The sky’s the limit for Gable. He’s a super athlete,” Gibson recently told MMAFighting.com. “He joined the Buffalo Bills without ever playing football. Just last week, we saw him there boxing with mitts, doing some grappling, practicing jiu-jitsu, ground work and pounding. He’s an unbelievable fighter and I have no doubt that he can be a heavyweight champion. Jon Jones is bringing some great young fighters into this room. I feel proud and John also wants to coach them and uplift them. John is a great teacher himself, so who knows? Maybe John Joan will coach Gable Stevenson someday. He will achieve glory as a UFC heavyweight.”
Steveson is a former two-time NCAA champion and won a gold medal in the freestyle heavyweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He then chose to pursue a short-lived career in WWE before turning to football. Steveson signed with the Buffalo Bills with no football experience and was released just before the 2024 season. However, he hasn’t given up on his NFL dreams and reportedly trained for the Baltimore Ravens in September.
