Gable Steveson Backs Jon Jones’ Bold Title Timeline: 'If It’s Not Next Year, It’ll Be Soon'

The Next Test: MFL 3

Before any UFC talk becomes reality, Gable Steveson has business to handle. He returns at MFL 3 on Feb. 19 against Hugo Lezama (11-3), the most experienced opponent of his young career. While Steveson’s elite wrestling pedigree makes him one of the sport’s most intriguing prospects, MMA remains a different battlefield.

Every fight is another step in the transition from decorated amateur grappler to complete mixed martial artist. And the UFC is watching.

White House Rumors and Fast-Tracked Futures

Gable Steveson has heard the chatter linking him to the UFC’s highly publicized White House event later this year a card expected to feature only six or seven marquee bouts. If he were to land on that stage for his UFC debut, it would be one of the most high-profile introductions in recent heavyweight history. “I think it’s still the case that we’re going slow,” Steveson said. “But slow in the heavyweight division is fast.”

That may be the key. Unlike lighter divisions stacked with established contenders, heavyweight often moves quickly. A dominant wrestling base especially at Steveson’s level can immediately disrupt the hierarchy. “There’s a lot of missing puzzle pieces in that division,” he added.

A New Look at Heavyweight?

Steveson believes his blend of attributes sets him apart:

• Olympic-level wrestling

• Speed uncommon for heavyweights

• Durability and endurance

• Rapidly developing striking

“With my potential, my speed, my technique, my durability, my endurance and my wrestling included it’s going to be a new thing for people to see,” Steveson said.

Heavyweight MMA has long been defined by power punchers and short fights. A high-paced, technically layered wrestler with elite athleticism could represent a stylistic shift.

Is a championship run within a year realistic? In most divisions, that would sound far-fetched for someone with only a handful of fights. At heavyweight where turnover can be swift and elite wrestlers historically thrive the timeline feels less impossible.

Jones sees it. Steveson believes it. Now, the division waits. For now, the focus remains Feb. 19. But if Steveson continues stacking wins, the conversation about a UFC heavyweight title won’t feel premature it’ll feel inevitable.