JRE MMA Show #172 with Gable Steveson

Episode Summary

In this episode of the JRE MMA Show, Joe Rogan sits down with Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Steveson to discuss his transition from the wrestling mat to the world of mixed martial arts. A central theme of the conversation is Steveson’s "prophetic" background; he was named after the legendary Dan Gable, a decision his mother made after hearing the name at a tournament. Steveson reflects on his wrestling journey, his brief stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills (despite never having played football before), and his time with WWE. He admits that while he enjoyed the professional wrestling and football experiences, his competitive drive required a sport where he could go "all in," leading him back to combat sports.

The discussion pivots to the technical challenges of transitioning into MMA. Steveson reveals that while he has been training striking for roughly four years, he has only been "seriously" focused on it for about seven months. Rogan and Steveson discuss the innate advantages of being a world-class wrestler, specifically the mental toughness and the ability to dictate where a fight takes place. Rogan emphasizes that wrestlers are often the most disciplined athletes, though Steveson humbly notes that he started as a "beginner" in MMA, admitting he initially didn't even know how to defend a basic punch or kick.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Steveson’s relationship with Jon Jones. Steveson describes how Jones reached out to him on Instagram, leading to an invitation to join Jones' training camp. Steveson credits Jones with "flipping the switch" in his mind regarding his MMA aspirations. Seeing the level of preparation, the backstage atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, and Jones’ extreme "Fight IQ" convinced Steveson that he wanted to reach that same superstar status. He shares a striking metaphor about the importance of the mind in fighting, noting that while many have the physical "Ferrari," they often run it on "87 gas" by lacking the proper mental approach and game planning.

Throughout the episode, Steveson emphasizes the importance of being "all ears" and coachable. He notes that many elite athletes fail in MMA because they are too "hardheaded" to admit what they don’t know. He attributes his rapid progress to putting his ego aside and soaking up knowledge from veterans like Jones. Memorable moments include Steveson’s stories about his mother’s fear of his sports career—ranging from her refusal to let him play high school football to her being too nervous to actually watch his MMA fights from the front row.

Overall, the episode highlights the evolution of a "freak athlete" as he attempts to conquer a new discipline. The themes of legacy, the search for a professional outlet for wrestlers, and the mentorship between the "Greatest of All Time" and a young Olympic champion provide a deep look into the mindset required to compete at the highest levels. Steveson leaves the impression of an athlete who, while incredibly gifted, relies more on his work ethic and willingness to learn than his natural physical advantages.