Jon Jones reveals special feeling after Gable Stevenson's debut at UFC 329.

Stevenson admires his friend Jon Jones . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/gable

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Gable Stevenson 's start in the UFC couldn't have been better. Last Saturday (11), during UFC 329 , in Las Vegas (USA), the Olympic wrestling champion in Tokyo needed only one round to knock out Elisha Ellison and start his journey in the organization in great style. After the victory, Jon Jones , training partner and mentor of the heavyweight (up to 120,2kg), celebrated his pupil's performance and revealed the pride he feels seeing his evolution.

In an interview with UFC on TNT Sports, published on X (formerly Twitter), 'Bones' stated that he closely follows Steveson's development and confessed that he sees in the American an opportunity to relive his own experiences inside the octagon. The former champion also highlighted his satisfaction at seeing an athlete he considers special taking his first steps in the world's biggest MMA event.

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“I was telling Gable, ‘Through Gable, I can relive everything I experienced in the UFC.’ It’s incredible,” Jones declared.

The relationship between the two has strengthened in recent years, especially during Jones' preparation periods for his fights in the heavyweight division. Considered one of the greatest talents in Olympic wrestling of his generation, Gable began to participate in some of the former champion's training sessions and received numerous compliments from the veteran even before signing a contract with the UFC.

Expectations surrounding Steveson's career have always been high due to his wrestling background, a sport in which he won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. With his promising start in the octagon, the prospect reinforces the expectation of becoming one of the top names in the heavyweight division in the coming years, while Jon Jones closely follows the evolution of the man he considers his main protégé.

Video: Knockout by Jon Jones' protégé

Made the most of his UFC debut 🙌

Gable steveson earns the RD1 knockout at #UFC329!

[LIVE NOW on @ParamountMore ] pic.twitter.com/Y3myqiIrZs

- UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026

Jon Jones' reaction to the victory.

Jon Jones has really found a purpose in coaching after retirement. He's so happy for Gable's win.

(via @ufcontnt ) #UFC329 pic.twitter.com/sX6nrzw3MX

— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) July 12, 2026

UFC 329 results

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Max Holloway defeated Conor McGregor by technical knockout (knee injury) at 1:09 of round 1.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Paddy Pimblett defeated Benoit Saint Denis by submission (choke) at 0:52 of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Mario Bautista defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Brandon Royval defeated Lone'er Kavanagh by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:50 of round 3.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green defeated Terrance McKinney by technical knockout (punches) at 4:59 of round 1.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Robert Whittaker defeated Nikita Krylov by technical knockout (jaw injury) at 1:01 of round 3.

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Gable Stevenson defeated Elisha Ellison by technical knockout (punches and knees) at 2:30 of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Adrian Yanez defeated Cody Garbrandt by technical knockout (punches) at 2:47 of round 1.

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Luke Riley defeated Kai Kamaka III by technical knockout (punches) at 3:02 of round 1.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Wang Cong defeated Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Damian Pinas defeated Cesar Almeida by knockout (punches) at 4:44 of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Farid Basharat defeated John Garza by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Zachary Reese by technical knockout (punches) at 1:15 of round 1.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alessandro Costa defeated Cody Durden by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:19.

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