Ali Akbar Rosady
Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Games in the 125 kg category, has rapidly transitioned into the world of professional MMA, making an immediate impact. The highly anticipated debut saw Steveson secure two professional knockouts in a combined time of just 2 minutes and 2 seconds, complementing a prior 15-second knockout in a Dirty Boxing bout. These performances have quickly established Steveson as a formidable prospect with significant potential in the combat sports arena. A key aspect of Steveson’s early journey has been his association with Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. The two athletes forged a connection when Jones enlisted Steveson as a wrestling partner for his preparation leading up to his heavyweight title bout against Stipe Miocic. Steveson has openly expressed his admiration for Jones and his desire to follow in "Bones’" footsteps as he navigates his MMA career.
However, Brendan Schaub, a veteran of the UFC’s heavyweight division and now a prominent sports analyst and podcast host, advised Steveson to exercise caution in his choice of role models. "There’s only one Jon Jones," Schaub stated, acknowledging Jones’s unique talent while highlighting the potential pitfalls of emulating his entire career. Schaub recounted a hypothetical scenario, referencing Jones’s infamous pre-fight antics. "If you go, ‘Jon, what did you do to get ready for [Alexander] Gustafsson in the first fight [at UFC 165]?’ He goes, ‘Partied. Showed up the week before, beat the sh*t out of him.’ I don’t know if that’s the best advice. Maybe I’m wrong, I don’t know if that’s the smartest advice. You’ve got a lot of work to do."
Schaub’s concern stems from Jones’s well-documented history of professional and personal controversies. While Jones’s in-cage accomplishments are unparalleled – holding the record for the youngest UFC champion, multiple successful title defenses at light heavyweight, and a recent ascension to the heavyweight championship – his career has frequently been marred by incidents outside the octagon. Jones has been stripped of UFC titles on three separate occasions due to various infractions, including a hit-and-run incident in 2015, multiple failed drug tests (such as for clomiphene and turinabol), and other legal issues. These incidents led UFC commentator Joe Rogan to once label him "the biggest f*ck up of all time," and UFC President Dana White has mused that Jones’s complex narrative would make for a compelling "30 for 30" documentary.
"The reason why he’s the GOAT is because of what he did inside the octagon," Schaub elaborated. "He’s not the GOAT as far as outside the octagon." This distinction forms the crux of Schaub’s advice: while Jones’s fighting prowess is undeniable, his off-cage conduct provides a less desirable blueprint for an aspiring athlete like Steveson, who is at the formative stages of his professional MMA career and carries the prestige of an Olympic gold medal.
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In contrast to Jones, Schaub suggested alternative mentors for Steveson, emphasizing individuals renowned for their professionalism, discipline, and clean public images, both inside and outside the cage. "If you’re taking into consideration of the GOAT talk, accomplishments inside the octagon [and] outside the octagon, it’s ‘Mighty Mouse’ [Demetrious Johnson]," Schaub asserted. Demetrious Johnson, the former UFC Flyweight Champion, holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history (11) and is universally praised for his sportsmanship, dedication, and exemplary conduct throughout his career.
Schaub also put forward Georges St-Pierre (GSP) and Michael Bisping as suitable role models. Georges St-Pierre, a two-division UFC champion and widely considered one of the sport’s greatest, is celebrated for his meticulous preparation, disciplined approach, and articulate representation of the sport. Michael Bisping, a former UFC Middleweight Champion and now a successful commentator, is known for his resilience, work ethic, and ability to navigate a long and challenging career with integrity.
"Mighty Mouse, even though smaller, would be a much better mentor to advise you on, as far as how to handle fame, women, family, sponsorships, life outside the UFC, expanding your footprint as far as expanding your business reach, and stuff like that, relationship advice, game planning, how to approach a fight as a professional," Schaub elaborated. "I would reach out to that guy or GSP, another great one." These individuals, Schaub argued, embody the holistic professionalism that Steveson should aspire to. "Inside, outside preparation, crossing your T’s, dotting your I’s, the small things that lead to winning fights, that’s the blueprint. That’s what you want to do."
Schaub reiterated his concern about Jones’s "wild boy" tendencies, acknowledging that while such an unpredictable nature might contribute to his unique fighting genius, it is not a replicable or advisable path for others. "Jon is a wild boy, which is why it makes him one of the greatest of all time, because you’ve got to be absolutely delusional to not train for a world championship fight and think you can win it. There’s only one of him. That’s not the guy you want to listen to."
While acknowledging that Jones could offer lessons on what not to do, Schaub believes Steveson’s background as an Olympic gold medalist already instills a high level of discipline and understanding of professional conduct. "Gable, you won a gold medal. You kind of know that stuff. I think you’d be much more advised to listen to a dude like Mighty Mouse or [Michael] Bisping. I’m talking guys that were really pro’s pros, not only inside the octagon but outside, too."
The discussion underscores the broader debate within combat sports about the importance of mentorship and the legacy athletes leave both through their athletic achievements and their personal conduct. For a burgeoning star like Gable Steveson, the choice of a role model, according to Schaub, could significantly influence not just his fighting career, but his overall public persona and longevity in the demanding world of professional sports.
TOP STORIES
White House. Conor McGregor has publicly challenged Floyd Mayweather to an MMA fight, proposing the bout take place at a hypothetical "UFC White House" event. This follows a series of past boxing and verbal exchanges between the two combat sports icons.
Friends. Jon Jones expressed a desire to potentially "start a friendship" with long-time rival Daniel Cormier, as the two prepare to coach opposite each other in an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Staph. Justin Gaethje addressed recent claims of a staph infection ahead of his highly anticipated UFC 324 main event clash against Paddy Pimblett, reassuring fans of his health and readiness.
155. Daniel Cormier lauded Arman Tsarukyan, suggesting he "might just be the best lightweight in the world" and advocating for a future bout between Tsarukyan and reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Safety. Maycee Barber reacted strongly to a referee’s controversial claim that she faked being hurt from an illegal kick, stating, "I don’t feel safe in there with him."
VIDEO STEW
- Between the Links segment offering analysis and debate on current MMA topics.
- An exclusive interview with UFC fighter Maycee Barber.
- Part 2 of the UFC’s 2025 Year in Review, highlighting significant moments and trends.
- Israel Adesanya featured in a segment with a mentalist.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
- Controversy continues to stir across various MMA social media platforms.
- Conor McGregor once again teased a potential comeback, marking his 15th such hint.
- A new catchphrase appears to be emerging from a fighter’s recent social media activity.
- A viral clip showcased "full-contact basketball" being played in Dagestan.
- Dan Ige confirmed his readiness for his upcoming fight.
- Speculation arose about branded cigars becoming a new trend among fighters, following a recent social media post.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Dan Ige (19-10) vs. Melquizael Costa (25-7) has been officially scheduled for UFC Houston on February 21.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A poignant quote from Brendan Schaub, not included in the primary discussion but relevant to his overall sentiment, provided a vivid analogy: "I played football, and if Aaron Hernandez reached out to me to talk about football, I’m going to listen. But if he was like, ‘Bro, let me tell you how to deal with people you don’t like,’ I’m like, ‘Whoa! I’m all set on that, my man.’" This highlights Schaub’s core message: separating an athlete’s technical prowess from their personal conduct when seeking mentorship.
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