Imagine witnessing a fighter with the potential to shake up the UFC's heavyweight division in ways we rarely see—quite possibly reminiscent of Brock Lesnar's early days in the sport. That's exactly the excitement surrounding Gable Steveson right now. While he's still early in his MMA journey, the buzz is building—and for good reason. As UFC analyst Laura Sanko hints, the impact Steveson could make might be just around the corner, possibly arriving as soon as 2026.
Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medal-winning wrestler, has only stepped into the cage twice professionally, but he's already turned heads with his explosive performances and highlight-reel finishes. UFC boss Dana White revealed back in December that the promotion is paying close attention to him, indicating that major plans could be in the works. At just 25 years old, Steveson isn't navigating this path alone—he's mentored by none other than legendary fighter Jon Jones, who is guiding his growth in the early stages.
Laura Sanko expressed her optimism about what the coming year could hold for Steveson, saying, "Gable Steveson could have an enormous year in the UFC—quite remarkable considering he's not even officially signed yet." She emphasizes the current state of the heavyweight division, which is in dire need of stars who can truly capture the audience’s attention. With a new broadcast deal in place, such as the one with Paramount+, fans are eager to see big personalities and even bigger knockouts.
Sanko notes that Gable has a certain charisma—an appeal that’s reminiscent of Brock Lesnar—who was known for bringing massive mainstream attention to MMA. She believes Steveson could become a major attraction, not only because of his wrestling pedigree but also because of his potential to deliver electrifying performances. The heavyweight division, she argues, offers a unique window for him to accelerate his development faster than he might in lower weight classes, where the competition often demands more time to reach the top.
Joe Rogan, the renowned podcast host and UFC commentator, has gone as far as to suggest that Steveson might already be capable of competing against the division's top five fighters, a bold statement that signals his high regard for the young wrestler's talent. Meanwhile, Sanko is watching and waiting to see how his career unfolds, balancing her excitement with a cautious approach—recognizing that the heavyweight division's dynamics can sometimes allow promising prospects to rise quickly.
She adds, "If Gable Steveson were fighting in a lighter weight class like lightweight or welterweight, my expectations for his timeline would be different. But at heavyweight, there's a real opportunity for him to make a swift impact—as long as he continues to prove himself in the octagon."
This rising star’s trajectory undoubtedly has fans and analysts alike pondering: Could Gable Steveson be the next big thing in MMA, capable of reshaping the heavyweight landscape in record time? Or will the road to the top prove more challenging than expected? What’s your take—does he have what it takes to become a true heavyweight legend, or do you believe his rapid rise might be too good to be true? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
