Want to burn it? Dana White tempers expectations about the future of Olympic champion and friend of Jon Jones in the UFC.

Dana in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

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In April, what was previously speculation was confirmed. The UFC announced the signing of the feared Gable Stevenson, gold medalist in wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Japan). As expected, many MMA fans and professionals are already excited about the arrival of their friend and protégé. Jon Jones They are taking over the organization and elevating it, but Dana White preaches caution.

The UFC president has tried to temper expectations regarding Gable's future in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) and his development in the octagon. Currently, the 25-year-old wrestler does not yet have a defined opponent for his debut, but many, especially Jones, claim that he will be champion, has everything it takes to be the new face of the company, and make his mark in MMA.

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Obviously, Dana hopes the athlete shines and repeats in the UFC the success he had in wrestling. However, the executive indicates that he will not rush Gabe's development, especially since, over the years, he has seen several promising athletes fail to live up to the hype when they arrived in the world's biggest MMA league.

“We’re going to find someone for him. I don’t know if we’re going to put a guy from the top-15. I tell you this all the time: the nervousness before entering the UFC is real. It doesn’t matter how you fought, where or what you did. When you get here, it’s a different level,” said the executive at the post-UFC Winnipeg press conference, an event held last Saturday (18), in Canada.

“Our matchmakers are the best in the business. We’ll analyze and choose the right fight for him. And when I say that, it’s based on what we think of his current level and what he’s capable of doing,” he concluded.

Steveson's fighters in MMA

Gable Stevenson promotes Dirty Boxing event. Photo: Reproduction Facebook DirtyBoxing

Gable Stevenson, 25, made his mark in wrestling and is now excelling in MMA. Before signing with the UFC, the American competed in smaller events to gain experience in the sport and, above all, to improve other areas of his game. In the sport since 2025, the athlete has fought three times and won all three via knockout in the first round.