“I’ve been boxing, putting on the gloves, and taking jiu-jitsu classes—getting myself ready for an MMA career. I haven’t spoken to Dana [White] personally yet…I’d love to have face-to-face,” declared two-time NCAA champion Gable Steveson last week on The Pat McAfee Show, confirming his intention to step into the world of mixed martial arts. NCAA champion Wyatt Hendrickson snapped The Golden Gable’s 70-match winning streak on March 21, 2025, unexpectedly altering the course of his collegiate wrestling journey.

Now, with his college wrestling chapter behind him, Gable Steveson faces two major career paths: pursuing another Olympic run or transitioning to MMA. The latter appears to be the more immediate option, as he has already trained alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. From working with Robbie Lawler to joining reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones‘ fight camp last year ahead of UFC 309, the Apple Valley export has been sharpening his skills.

During that camp, the Olympic gold medalist played a key role in helping Jon Jones refine his wrestling, while also getting firsthand experience in striking from the UFC legend. As speculation grows over Gable Steveson’s MMA debut, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he officially makes the switch. However, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen has some words of advice for the 24-year-old. Sonnen believes ‘The Golden Gable’ must put aside his star status and approach MMA with a “pupil” mindset.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen offered a reality check: “He spent some time in MMA. He even spent some time with Robbie Lawler as his coach, with those guys that right now are called KillCliff. He spent some time in Jon Jones’s camp and was in Jon Jones’s corner. Now, that’s not the kind of MMA he needs. He needs the kind of MMA where he is the pupil now, where he comes in and he’s the head wrestling coach or, you know, he’s the cool guy with an Olympic gold medal. He needs to humble himself.”

Uncle Sonnen didn’t stop there. He stressed the importance of finding the “right” coach and manager, making it clear that the path must lead “straight to the promoter.”

Chael Sonnen also had a sharp warning for the 24-year-old, cautioning that if he fails to follow the necessary steps in MMA, “you will never get into the Octagon.” Chael Sonnen’s advice carries significant weight, given his vast experience in the MMA world, starting at just 19 and amassing a total of 49 fights. In contrast, Gable Steveson, who spent the last three years of his career on the football field despite lacking prior experience, joined the Buffalo Bills as a defensive lineman. He also explored WWE but struggled to find his footing.

This ultimately led ‘The Golden Gable’ back to the Gophers last year, where it became clear that he still has much to learn and needs the right guidance. However, with Jon Jones now involved, the expectations for the 24-year-old Gable Steveson are incredibly high. In fact, after his loss to Hendrickson, Jon Jones had come out to console Steveson. “Proud of my brother. A loss on the mat doesn’t define anything – his work ethic, heart, and character speak for themselves. One of the hardest-working, most impressive young men I’ve met in a long time. Higher and higher we climb,” Jones wrote on his Instagram story. Moreover, Jones was raving about Steveson after their training camp.

“He’s gonna be scary,” Jones said of Steveson. “He’s gonna be very scary when he decides to do MMA. He knows how to make men appear very weak. Me being one of ’em.” He even went on to declare Steveson a heavyweight champion material. “When he learns how to box and a little about jiu-jitsu, it’s not a matter of if he’ll become a UFC Champion, it’s when he’ll be a UFC Champion,” Jones said. “And whether he trains in Albuquerque with our family, or has a different team … whoever has him are going to be very blessed to have him. He’s an asset.” No wonder, Steveson was also touched by Jones’ gesture.

Gable Steveson discussed his MMA career after training with Jon Jones

“You are a great teacher” and “future MMA heavyweight champion,” wrote UFC reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones, praising the 24-year-old former Olympian Gable Steveson for his exceptional wrestling prowess, as evidenced by his impressive resume. Last year, the two athletes joined forces, exchanging experiences and techniques, which fueled the Apple Valley native’s passion and inspired him to pursue an MMA career.

Before their collaboration, Gable Steveson had already begun training at Kill Cliff FC in Florida under the guidance of former UFC champion Robbie Lawler. However, ‘The Golden Gable’ also returned to the wrestling mats with the University of Minnesota for his fifth and final season of collegiate wrestling.

Ahead of his return to the mats, Gable Steveson spoke candidly on The Ariel Helwani Show, reflecting on the experience with Jon Jones. “That definitely put a major spark in me to go out there and do MMA,” ‘The Golden Gable’ shared. “I’m not sure about the promotion yet, but Jon definitely lit a fire under me. He said, ‘I think you should go back to wrestling, but I also think you should try MMA. We’ve got a great team here in Albuquerque if you want to join us.’ It was fascinating how quickly I got into something new. When I put on the gloves, everything just felt like home.”

What’s your opinion on Gable Steveson’s future? Do you think MMA is the next step for the NCAA star and former Olympian, or do you believe WWE will be his top choice? Share your thoughts below.