At a glance
WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT
Olympic phenom Gable Steveson outlines his path to UFC greatness
- Joe Rogan sits down with Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight MMA prospect Gable Steveson to trace his journey from wrestling prodigy to NFL experiment, WWE stint, and now a full commitment to mixed martial arts. Steveson explains why true professional outlets for wrestling are limited and how his athleticism and mindset translate to elite MMA potential. A major theme is his close mentorship with Jon Jones—how training with the heavyweight GOAT ignited his desire to fight and shaped his approach to game-planning, discipline, and fame. The conversation also ranges into combat sports history, drug cartels, bull riding, dog stories, and how to stay grounded amid rapid stardom.
IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING
5 ideasElite wrestling is still the best base for MMA—if you learn to adapt it.
Both Rogan and Steveson emphasize that the ability to dictate where the fight takes place, combined with wrestling’s mental toughness and conditioning, remains the most dominant foundation once you adjust entries, finishes, and cage work for submissions and strikes.
True greatness demands being “all ears” and relentlessly coachable.
Steveson credits his rapid striking development—despite only truly focusing on it for about seven months—to dropping ego, showing up multiple times a day, and absorbing instruction from experienced coaches and fighters like Jon Jones.
Short-notice fights are usually bad business for would-be greats.
Using examples like Jon Jones refusing late replacements and Volkanovski’s short-notice loss to Makhachev, they argue that if you want a legacy career, you game-plan and peak properly rather than chasing last-minute opportunities.
Protect your focus as ruthlessly as you protect your health.
Rogan frames attention as a finite resource—if you spend it on haters, drama, or chaotic relationships, you’re stealing from the excellence that actually creates money, titles, and longevity.
Mentorship from someone who’s made—and survived—every mistake is priceless.
Steveson describes Jon Jones not only sharpening his technical skills but also advising him on media, business, life choices, and avoiding the traps of fame that nearly derailed Jon’s own career.
WORDS WORTH SAVING
5 quotes“That Dirty Boxing fight is the worst I’ll ever be.”
— Gable Steveson
“I sent Dana White a text message: everyone’s fucked.”
— Joe Rogan (about Gable’s 14‑second KO and double-leg finish)
“If you can win a gold medal in the Olympics in wrestling, you have to have everything.”
— Joe Rogan
“Once you’re favored by God, you’re also favored by the devil too.”
— Gable Steveson (quoting Mike Tyson and applying it to fame and temptation)
“I just want to be an excellent man. If I’m the best version of Gable, you’re not gonna be able to beat me.”
— Gable Steveson
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