Imagine a moment that sends shockwaves through the MMA world: Joe Rogan, the legendary commentator who's been dissecting fights since 1997, frantically texting UFC boss Dana White after witnessing a stunning victory. This isn't just any win—it's a spectacle that left Rogan declaring, 'Everyone's f*cked!' But here's where it gets intriguing... what if this fighter hasn't even stepped into the octagon yet? Let's dive into the buzz surrounding Gable Steveson and why Rogan believes he's already operating at an elite, championship level.
On a recent episode of the JRE MMA Show, Rogan couldn't contain his excitement as he recounted Steveson's latest triumph. Picture this: in the heat of battle, Steveson lands a devastating left hook, knocking his opponent senseless, and then seamlessly transitions into a takedown—while the guy is still out cold! For beginners in MMA, this highlights a rare blend of striking precision and grappling dominance. Rogan was so fired up that he immediately messaged White, saying, 'You had a fight, an MMA fight, where you hit that dude with a left hook and then took him down while he was out cold.' It's moments like these that remind us why mixed martial arts captivates fans worldwide— the unpredictability and raw power on display.
Drawing from his decades of experience commentating UFC events, Rogan painted a candid picture of the heavyweight division's current state. He admitted it's looking pretty barren out there, with only a few big names and ex-champions standing out. And this is the part most people miss: Steveson, with his lightning-fast reflexes fused with top-tier wrestling skills, shines like a beacon in this landscape. 'That kind of speed incorporated with elite wrestling is crazy,' Rogan exclaimed, emphasizing how Steveson's agility defies the typical heavyweight mold. To clarify for newcomers, wrestling in MMA isn't just about pinning someone down; it's about control, transitions, and neutralizing threats, making it a cornerstone of success against varied opponents.
Rogan went on to explain that the division feels shallow right now. Sure, you've got contenders like Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, and perhaps Jon Jones if he decides to return to the ring. Then there's Francis Ngannou, who could make a comeback if some deal magic happens. But beyond these, Rogan sees a void. 'The heavyweight division is so shallow right now. You've got Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones (if he chooses to fight again), Francis (Ngannou) if by some miracle they can work something out and bring him to the UFC. Other than that, there's no one compelling for a championship-caliber fighter. There's basically four or five guys on Earth who are in this championship-caliber class, and you're already there, which is nuts. You haven't even fought in the UFC yet.' It's a bold claim, positioning Steveson among the elite despite his lack of UFC experience—think of it as comparing a rookie phenom to seasoned vets like those who have battled for titles.
The praise didn't stop there. Rogan gushed about Steveson's background, painting him as a prodigy. At just 25, Steveson is a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner (that's like the wrestling equivalent of a Super Bowl MVP), a two-time NCAA Division I champion, and a 2020 Olympic gold medalist. 'When I watched you move and when I watched you fight, I was like, 'OK, how do you stop that? Who has the skills to be able to stop that?' Rogan wondered aloud. In his view, only a handful of heavyweights could pose real challenges: the Ngannous, Ganes, and Aspinalls of the world. But here's where it gets controversial—Rogan pointed out the biggest hurdle might not be a fighter, but the scarcity of worthy matches. 'The only problem is going to be you getting fights. That kind of speed is just bananas for a 250-pound man,' he said, subtly suggesting that Steveson's explosive athleticism could make him unstoppable, potentially disrupting the UFC's heavyweight hierarchy.
As for what's next, it's anyone's guess. Steveson has racked up wins in promotions like LFA, Dirty Boxing, and Anthony Pettis FC, building a resume that's hard to ignore. The UFC, through White, has already shown interest, but will he need to prove himself further, or is his talent undeniable? It's a tantalizing crossroads in his career.
What do you think? Is Gable Steveson truly ready to dominate UFC heavyweights right out of the gate, or could his wrestling background leave him vulnerable against seasoned strikers? Do you agree with Rogan's take on the division's shallowness, or should we give more credit to emerging talents? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you see him as the next big thing, or is this just hype? Let's discuss!
