The MMA world is abuzz with the news that Olympic champion Gable Steveson is quickly rising to the top of the sport. While initially focused on professional wrestling and American football, Steveson has found his calling in mixed martial arts and is already making waves. With Jon Jones coaching Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling has reeled off wins in both MMA and Dirty Boxing. After Steveson's 98-second knockout in his MMA debut, the 25-year-old needed even less time to show his striking development at DBX 4 last Friday. This has sparked talk of a quick arrival on MMA's biggest stage for the wrestling legend, who is already being tipped by Daniel Cormier for big things in the promotion's heavyweight division. But here's where it gets controversial... Daniel Cormier swaps Bo Nickal for Gable Steveson as America's best hope for another UFC champion. While Nickal's undefeated start in MMA built hype around his name, a lackluster performance against Paul Craig and subsequent first loss at the hands of Reinier de Ridder have dampened things for the welterweight up-and-comer. And this is the part most people miss... Jon Jones said coaching 'feels like cheating' with Gable Steveson. Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight title this past summer and announced his retirement. While it remains to be seen whether that decision will stand amid his calls to Dana White for a White House comeback, 'Bones' is exploring other avenues in the sport. That includes coaching Steveson, and the UFC GOAT contender spoke about his experience in the new role following the 25-year-old's successful MMA debut under the LFA banner in September. So, what do you think? Is Steveson the next big thing in MMA? Or is Cormier being too hasty in his praise? Let us know in the comments below!
