UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has publicly addressed Gable Steveson’s unexpected defeat at the NCAA Championships.
Gable Steveson, a celebrated NCAA wrestling figure, played a crucial role in Jon Jones`s training camp for his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November. Following Steveson`s surprising loss at the 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, Jones offered words of support to his training partner.
As Jones prepares for a potential high-profile match against Tom Aspinall later this year, he remains a top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. Many consider him to be the greatest UFC fighter ever, owing to his remarkable and largely unblemished career in the Octagon.
Prior to his successful MMA career, Jones excelled in collegiate wrestling, securing a national championship at Iowa Central Community College. While recognized for his striking skills, Jones also utilizes his formidable wrestling abilities in the cage, demonstrated in his wins against notable opponents like Ciryl Gane and Daniel Cormier.
Jon Jones Praises Gable Steveson After Upset
Gable Steveson entered his championship match against Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State as a strong favorite. Despite Steveson`s previous victory over Hendrickson at the 2021 NCAA Championships, Hendrickson managed to turn the tables and secure a win this time.
In a turn of events, Hendrickson, who was behind in points, executed a surprising takedown in the final 20 seconds of the match. Notably, this was the first takedown Steveson had conceded throughout the entire season.
Steveson’s defeat is widely regarded as a major upset in the history of college wrestling. While Jon Jones`s career hasn`t been marked by such significant losses, he has navigated his own challenges and setbacks.
Jon Jones shared his reaction to Steveson’s defeat in a recent Instagram story post.
“Proud of my brother. A loss on the mat doesn’t define anything – his work ethic, heart, and character speak for themselves,” Jones commented about Steveson.
He further added, “One of the hardest-working, most impressive young men I’ve met in a long time. Higher and higher we climb.”
Following the conclusion of his wrestling career, Steveson is considering a transition to MMA. His potential in MMA is highly anticipated, particularly after his collaboration with Jon Jones in training camps.
Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Nearing Agreement, Says Dana White
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated fight between Jones and Tom Aspinall is moving closer to becoming a reality, according to recent updates from UFC CEO Dana White. Aspinall playfully teased Jones at UFC London with a rubber duck, referencing the popular opinion that Jones is avoiding a fight with Aspinall in favor of other matchups.
If finalized, a fight between Jones and Aspinall is expected to be a landmark event in UFC history. Many believe that Aspinall could pose the most significant challenge to Jones`s career, even considering Jones`s history of facing numerous Hall of Fame fighters.
In other ventures, Jones recently became a co-owner of Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship, expanding his involvement in combat sports. Looking ahead, Jones is well-positioned for continued success beyond his fighting career.
