Guida Backs Steveson For Rapid UFC Rise

Clay Guida has offered a strong endorsement of Gable Steveson ahead of his UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11, backing the unbeaten heavyweight prospect to make an immediate impact and pointing to both his extraordinary wrestling credentials and Jon Jones's mentorship as reasons for genuine optimism about his trajectory.

"Gable Steveson is a phenom. The guy is a workhorse. He has done everything in wrestling that you can do from a young age. You see an athlete like him that takes a liking to something and you better watch out.

“The sky is the limit and he is learning at a rapid rate. I know Jon Jones very well. We trained together at Jackson's for years. To see him taking somewhat of a coaching role, a trainer role, a mentor role in Gable Steveson, I love it," Guida said

he observation that Jones has shifted into a mentoring and coaching role with Steveson carries weight coming from someone who knows both men, and it frames the relationship as something more substantial.

Steveson's amateur credentials remain without parallel among current UFC heavyweights. Multiple NCAA titles, a world championship, and Olympic gold represent a wrestling resume that has not been seen in a debuting heavyweight prospect in the sport's history.

The transition from elite amateur wrestling to MMA involves significant development in striking, submissions, and the chaotic nature of cage fighting — but the foundation Steveson brings is one that coaches at every level of the sport would build around.

Ellison, his debut opponent at UFC 329, brings a 100 percent finish rate into the fight and represents a credible enough first test. July 11 in Las Vegas is where the conversation begins.