Gable Steveson burst onto the UFC scene at UFC 329 in a performance that garnered glowing praise from Jon Jones. Calling Steveson his heavyweight protégée, Jones remarked that the newcomer “did tremendous,” even admitting he misses fighting when training the rising star.
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Rising Stars
Jon Jones reacts to Gable Steveson’s successful UFC 329 debut: ‘He did tremendous’
Photo by Bloody Elbow
Key Takeaways:
- Gable Steveson had a successful UFC 329 debut.
- Jon Jones praised Steveson’s performance as “tremendous.”
- Jones considers Steveson his heavyweight protégée.
- Jones admitted missing fighting while training Steveson.
- The original report was published by Bloody Elbow on July 12, 2026.
Gable Steveson’s Debut
Gable Steveson made a statement in the heavyweight division during UFC 329. Although details of the match itself remain behind a paywall, fans and analysts alike described his debut as a success based on the buzz and reactions that followed.
Jon Jones’s Reaction
One of the most notable endorsements came from Jon Jones. Known for his MMA dominance, Jones referred to Steveson as his “heavyweight protégée” and offered a straightforward evaluation of the newcomer’s performance, saying simply, “He did tremendous.”
Missing the Spotlight
Jones has been training Steveson extensively, and the experience has stirred up personal reflections. In discussing his mentorship role, Jones admitted to missing the thrill of competition that comes with fighting. While he refrained from elaborating in depth, his candid admission underscores the passion he still holds for the sport.
An Emerging Heavyweight Narrative
Steveson’s successful debut has led many to believe the UFC heavyweight division has a new star on the rise. Coming from a story published by Bloody Elbow, the details underline Jones’s confidence in Steveson’s potential. Whether Jones himself steps back into the cage soon remains unclear, but his enthusiastic assessment bodes well for the prospect of Steveson’s continued growth in the UFC.
