Future champion? Dana White is surprised and impressed by the debut of the 'New Jon Jones' in the UFC.

Dana White at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Just like Jon Jones and many MMA fans and professionals, Dana White approved of Gable Stevenson 's highly anticipated debut at UFC 329. At the event held last Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA), the Olympic wrestling champion made short work of Elisha Ellison and knocked him out in just over two minutes of fighting. Therefore, the executive openly expressed his excitement about the athlete's future in the company.

In the post- UFC 329 press conference , Dana White expressed his amazement at Gable's performance, noting that he didn't feel the pressure of his debut and confirmed his overwhelming favoritism with flying colors. In the octagon, the athlete, who has been described by many as a kind of 'new Jon Jones ', displayed explosiveness, power, intense pace, speed, and a high volume of strikes.

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Furthermore, the organization's president revealed that 'Bones' protégé surprised him, as he didn't expect such an aggressive stance, preferring a more conservative one, relying on his high level of wrestling. Therefore, Dana began to see Gable differently in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).

“ It was incredible . Normally, and especially after being in this business for so long, when you hire a high-level, tough wrestler like him, they come in, take you down, and lay you on the ground. This guy did the exact opposite,” said the executive.

“ He looked like a mixed martial arts fighter . He didn’t look like a wrestler to me . And he’s fun . Throwing kicks, punches, willing to trade blows. Many wrestlers don’t like getting punched in the face. So yes, he’s fun. It will be interesting ,” he concluded.

Gable Stevenson promotes Dirty Boxing event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/DirtyBoxing

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Steveson's fighters in MMA

Gable Stevenson , 26, made his mark in wrestling and has been excelling in MMA. Before signing with the UFC, the American competed in smaller events to gain experience in the sport and, mainly, to improve other areas of his game. In the sport since 2025, the athlete has fought four times and won all of them via knockout in the first round.

Watch Gable Stevenson's knockout at UFC 329

Made the most of his UFC debut 🙌

Gable Steveson earns the RD1 knockout at #UFC329!

[LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Y3myqiIrZs

— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026

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