Olympic Wrestling Phenom Gable Steveson Poised for UFC Stardom, Drawing High Praise from Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan, long-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) commentator and host of the widely popular "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, has expressed profound belief in the future of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson within the mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape. Rogan’s strong endorsement, shared on his podcast, suggests that Steveson, a freestyle wrestling sensation, is destined for significant success, potentially dominating the UFC’s heavyweight division upon his eventual arrival.

Steveson, 25, who earned a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in freestyle wrestling (125 kg), has recently embarked on his MMA journey. His transition has been marked by a swift and impressive start, accumulating two professional victories in a combined total of just 2 minutes and 2 seconds. This record includes a notable 15-second victory via "Dirty Boxing," showcasing a rapidly developing striking arsenal alongside his elite grappling foundation. Following his most recent triumph at Anthony Pettis FC 21 in November, Steveson publicly articulated his ambition to sign with the UFC in the near future, setting the stage for what many, including Rogan, anticipate to be a meteoric rise.

Rogan did not mince words when discussing Steveson’s potential impact on the heavyweight division. "The heavyweight division is so devoid of talent," Rogan stated on his podcast, identifying Steveson as "the fcking guy." He emphasized Steveson’s unique athletic profile: "He’s not even in the UFC yet. Olympic gold medalist, fcking freak athlete, 250 pounds, moves like a cat." Rogan further revealed that he personally communicated his enthusiasm to UFC President Dana White. "I sent a text message to Dana White. I sent him a video of Gable’s last fight. I said, ‘Everyone’s fcked. Everyone’s fcked when this guy comes out.’" Rogan recounted Steveson’s last bout, where he delivered a knockout with a left hand before following up with a takedown on his already unconscious opponent, highlighting the blend of power and instinct.

The speed and agility demonstrated by Steveson, particularly for a heavyweight, were recurring themes in Rogan’s praise. "The speed that this guy has. First of all, really good striking already, and he’s only been striking for like a f*cking year," Rogan remarked, underlining the rapid progression of Steveson’s stand-up game. He added, "That kind of speed is nuts for a heavyweight." Rogan also pointed to Steveson’s remarkable physical prowess, mentioning his ability to perform backflips and his effortless leap over the top rope after a "Dirty Boxing" victory, proclaiming him a "real freak" athlete. This level of athleticism is considered a significant advantage in a division often characterized by power and size but sometimes lacking dynamic movement.

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Rogan continued his lavish commendation, drawing comparisons between Steveson and revered UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. Cormier, himself an Olympic wrestler, achieved the rare feat of holding UFC titles in two different weight classes (light heavyweight and heavyweight) simultaneously. Rogan posited that Steveson could be a "bigger and maybe even better" version of Cormier, an exceptionally high bar given Cormier’s legendary career. Rogan also highlighted Steveson’s strategic approach to entering the UFC, ensuring he is well-prepared for the transition to the elite level. Steveson is actively training with some of the sport’s top athletes, including current UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, and is seeking consistent fight experience, aiming to compete monthly. "He’s trying to get as much experience as he can before he gets into the UFC. He’s coming, and everybody’s in trouble. [He’s] 25! They’re all fcked! Everyone’s fcked! Ev-er-y-one is f*cked, because there’s no one, other than Jon, there’s no one that can wrestle with that guy in that sport," Rogan asserted. He concluded his assessment by describing Steveson as "a lethal combination of athleticism, speed, power, size, and an insane wrestling pedigree."

The current UFC heavyweight division, while featuring compelling matchups and established stars, has seen calls for new talent and fresh faces. Jon Jones, widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, currently holds the heavyweight title, but his fight frequency has decreased in recent years. Stipe Miocic, a former two-time champion, remains a prominent figure, while contenders like Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich represent the division’s upper echelon. The arrival of a highly touted prospect with Olympic wrestling credentials and rapidly improving striking, like Steveson, could inject significant dynamism and generate considerable interest. Steveson’s collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, where he secured two NCAA Division I National Championships, further solidifies his wrestling dominance and competitive pedigree, suggesting a robust mental fortitude alongside his physical gifts. His brief foray into professional wrestling with WWE prior to his MMA pivot also provided him with experience performing under pressure and engaging with a large audience, which could translate to handling the intense spotlight of the UFC.

TOP STORIES

Promotion. In recent developments, top UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili strongly refuted claims by former champion Petr Yan regarding their prior bout. Dvalishvili dismissed Yan’s assertion that he fought with a single functional arm in their first encounter, stating, "Stop making excuses!" Dvalishvili’s comments underscore the ongoing rivalry and competitive tension within the bantamweight division, where both fighters are vying for a shot at the title.

Legislation. United States Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has raised questions with a UFC executive regarding fighter compensation and the potential implications of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. The Ali Act, originally enacted to protect boxers from exploitative practices, has been a subject of discussion for its possible application to MMA fighters, with advocates pushing for greater transparency and fairness in fighter contracts and pay structures. This legislative inquiry highlights increasing scrutiny on the business practices within combat sports.

Dropped. A sexual assault lawsuit filed against former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has reportedly been dropped. The lawsuit, which had been a significant legal concern for the Irish superstar, has concluded, marking a notable development in McGregor’s off-cage affairs. McGregor remains one of the most prominent figures in combat sports, with considerable public and media attention surrounding both his athletic pursuits and personal life.

Mailbag. Discussions surrounding the career trajectory of former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo continue to captivate MMA enthusiasts. A recent "Mailbag" segment explored various facets of Cejudo’s career, from his Olympic wrestling gold medal to his "champ-champ" status in the UFC, his unexpected retirement, and his subsequent return. Analysts ponder the legacy of "Triple C" and his place among the sport’s all-time greats, particularly given his relatively short but impactful reign at the top.

VIDEO STEW

Several compelling video features have recently been released, providing insights into the world of MMA. "Between the Links" offered a comprehensive breakdown of upcoming fights and major news, while the UFC 323 Press Conference generated significant buzz ahead of the anticipated event. "Anything But Fighting with Payton Talbott" provided a more personal look at the emerging fighter, and "UFC 323 Embedded, 4" continued its behind-the-scenes coverage of the main card participants. Additionally, the "Good Guy/Bad Guy" segment sparked debate on current MMA personalities and narratives, and a dedicated interview with Merab Dvalishvili conducted by Daniel Cormier offered an in-depth perspective from the bantamweight contender.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Social media platforms remain a vibrant hub for MMA discussions and notable interactions. Recent online chatter included fervent discussions about potential matchups, with fans and fighters alike debating the next big "Fight!" Another intriguing post hinted at "Another fight?" possibly alluding to an unannounced bout or an ongoing rivalry. Henry Cejudo continued to actively promote his proteges and training partners online, consistently "stumping for his boy." A lighthearted post suggested the universal benefit of rest, advising, "Take naps. It makes everything better." In a surprising viral moment, UFC fighter Alex Pereira was seen engaging in a grappling session with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, showcasing the growing crossover appeal of MMA and the high-profile individuals drawn to the sport.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While Joe Rogan’s comparison of Gable Steveson to Daniel Cormier highlights an elite wrestling background, an alternative comparison to Brock Lesnar might be even more apt, considering Steveson’s heavyweight status, raw athleticism, and prior foray into professional wrestling. Lesnar, a former NCAA wrestling champion, transitioned to MMA and quickly captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship, leveraging his immense physical gifts and grappling dominance. Steveson possesses a similar blend of attributes, including formidable size, power, and explosiveness.

However, despite the immense potential and the effusive praise, it remains crucial to approach predictions with a degree of caution. Steveson currently holds a 2-0 professional MMA record. While impressive, there is a substantial journey between accumulating early victories and conquering the highly competitive landscape of the UFC’s heavyweight division. The transition from regional circuits to facing the world’s best requires consistent development in all facets of MMA, including defensive striking, submission defense, and fight strategy over longer rounds. The upcoming UFC 323, the final pay-per-view event of the year, serves as a reminder of the established talent pool and the challenges that await any aspiring champion. Steveson’s path to UFC gold, though highly anticipated, will undoubtedly be a test of skill, resilience, and adaptability against the sport’s elite.