JRE MMA Show #172 with Gable Steveson

Overview

This episode features a deep dive into the life, career, and aspirations of Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and rising star in mixed martial arts. The conversation spans his journey from wrestling to MMA, his training with Jon Jones, his brief stint in professional football, and his mindset for achieving excellence.

Notable Quotes

- That's the worst I'll ever be. Just think about it. Fourteen seconds. Now think about if you put some time into me... that's the worst I'll ever be in the sport of MMA. – Gable Steveson, on his potential in MMA.

- Once you're favored by God, you're also favored by the devil too. – Gable Steveson, reflecting on the challenges of fame and success.

- Protect your focus. It's precious. Protect your time. Protect that energy that you have to invest in things. It's so precious. – Joe Rogan, on maintaining excellence amidst distractions.

🥋 The Journey from Wrestling to MMA

- Gable Steveson shares how his wrestling career, including winning an Olympic gold medal, laid the foundation for his transition to MMA.

- He emphasizes the importance of adapting wrestling techniques for MMA, citing examples of fighters like Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev who blend wrestling with striking.

- Steveson discusses his training with Jon Jones, who has become a mentor, helping him refine his skills and mindset for MMA.

🏋️‍♂️ Training Philosophy and Physical Preparation

- Steveson trains rigorously, incorporating boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA-specific drills into his routine. He emphasizes the importance of being all ears and learning from experts.

- He continues to train with the University of Minnesota wrestling team, focusing on explosive movements, conditioning, and maintaining his weight at 255 pounds.

- Flexibility and adaptability are key themes, with Steveson exploring new disciplines like striking while maintaining his wrestling base.

💪 Mental Toughness and the Mindset of a Champion

- Steveson and Rogan discuss the mental fortitude required to excel in combat sports, emphasizing the importance of focus and resilience.

- Steveson shares his approach to staying grounded, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a strong support system.

- Rogan highlights the dangers of fame and external validation, advising Steveson to prioritize excellence over external pressures.

🌟 Mentorship and the Influence of Jon Jones

- Steveson credits Jon Jones for guiding him through his MMA journey, from technical advice to life lessons.

- Jones has shared insights on fight preparation, mental focus, and navigating the challenges of fame.

- Steveson aspires to follow in Jones' footsteps while carving his own path as a future UFC heavyweight champion.

🎯 Goals and Vision for the Future

- Steveson outlines his ambition to become a UFC heavyweight champion and surpass Stipe Miocic's record of five title defenses.

- He envisions debuting in the UFC at a high-profile event, potentially at the White House, and aims to leave a lasting legacy in combat sports.

- Beyond championships, Steveson emphasizes the importance of being a role model and living a balanced, meaningful life.