Jon Jones says he believes in Gable Steveson and says his protege deserves “good things”

Jon Jones has offered a public show of faith in Gable Steveson, saying he “believes” in the heavyweight and that the fighter “deserves good things.” Jones made the comments in a conversation reported by Yahoo Sports, referencing a recent appearance with The Schmo.

The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion did not provide additional specifics about a timeline or any immediate path to a title shot in the account. Instead, the focus was on Jones’ broader view of Steveson’s trajectory and what he expects from the younger fighter as Steveson works to build his place in the UFC.

Jones, who has spent years at the center of UFC’s championship picture across weight classes, has often been connected to the idea of mentorship and next-generation development. In this interview account, his message to Steveson was straightforward and positive, centered on belief in potential and an expectation that Steveson can capitalize on the opportunities in front of him.

The same interview conversation also touched on other UFC topics. Jones reportedly discussed Alex Pereira versus Sergei Pavlovich, and he mentioned partying with Tommy McMillen. Those elements do not change the central takeaway about Steveson, but they show Jones treating the Steveson comments as part of a wider, casual conversation about the sport rather than a tightly packaged promotional statement.

Steveson is widely discussed in MMA circles as a high-ceiling athlete entering the UFC ecosystem, and Jones’ support, if it continues to be reflected in Steveson’s performances, can be meaningful for how fans and pundits interpret the heavyweight’s development. Still, it is important to separate encouragement from proof. Jones’ remarks, as reported, are about belief and opportunity, not about any verified milestone such as a signed deal, an announced bout, or a confirmed ranking outcome.

For Steveson, the most practical “next step” is the one that always matters in the UFC: results in the cage. Jones’ comments raise expectations, but the sport ultimately responds to the record, and the heavyweight division is unforgiving for prospects who do not translate potential into performances.

For Jones, the remarks reinforce his continuing presence as a voice in the sport beyond his own in-cage career. When a former two-division champion publicly backs a protege, it highlights the way champions can shape narratives and confidence, even when they are not directly steering matchups or making matchmaker decisions.