Olympic medalist reveals training with Jon Jones 'lit a spark' to move into MMA

Gable Steveson and Jon Jones in training to prepare for the UFC 309. Photo: Instagram/ Gable Steveson

PUBLICITY:

After a stint in the WWE and a stint in the NFL, it seems Gable Steveson has fallen in love with a new sport. The 24-year-old phenom was one of Jon Jones, in preparation for the duel against Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309. Although he is used to fighting, the Olympic medalist felt something different about MMA after training alongside the greatest fighter of all time.

In an interview with 'MMA Fighting' Gable expressed that when he put on the MMA gloves he was excited about the combination of different fighting styles. The Olympic medalist described the experience as something that lit a fire inside him and, regardless of his future in wrestling, being in the preparation of  Jon Jones made him feel even more focused and motivated to follow the path of 'Mixed Martial Arts'.

See too

STRONG IMAGE: Michael Chandler shows deformed leg after kicks from Charles do Bronx; see

UFC legend surprises by saying he thought Miocic was 'a tougher challenge' than Aspinall for Jon Jones

Two heavyweights out of UFC 310, one fight canceled

“When I put on the gloves, I really enjoy the feeling of mixing everything from wrestling to boxing to kickboxing to jiu-jitsu, putting all the pieces together into one. It definitely lit a big spark in me for MMA as well. Whatever path I take after this wrestling season is going to be great, but MMA, when I say it lit a fire in me, I mean it. Being in that training camp definitely put a big focus and motivated me a lot,” said the fighter.

Although he is excited about starting MMA, Steveson recognizes that it will take time to reach his best level, but he is willing to put in the time. The young man also said that he felt honored to have trained alongside Jon Jones and coaches like Brandon Gibson and Greg Jackson.

“Putting on the gloves and putting it all together little by little was incredible. It’s definitely going to take time to get to where it needs to be, but time is all I have. It was an honor to be in Albuquerque with Jon, Brandon Gibson, Greg Jackson and everyone else, showing them who I am and allowing them to watch me, put me through a lot of training and hard work. That’s when I fell in love with it,” explained the young prospect.

Gable Steveson celebrates contribution to Jones' win over Miocic

The Olympic medalist said he felt proud to have contributed to the Jones' performance against Miocic and although he considered his role small, he was happy to have been part of that moment.

“Overall, the experience was great. It was definitely an honor to be a part of such a great performance and to see the product that we put together come into the Octagon and shine. The way that the knockout happened, the spinning kick, it was flawless execution by him, the kickboxing coach and the other coaches. I feel like I played a small part in something very big and I was happy to be there,” Steveson concluded.

Who is Gable Steveson?

Gable Steveson won a gold medal in wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old American has two NCAA titles and an 85-2 record in the sport. Gable was recently released from the NFL's Buffalo Bills football team and also had an unsuccessful stint with the WWE.