Top UFC heavyweight believes Gable Steveson will run into ‘problems’ despite Jon Jones’ lofty expectations

Not everyone is sold on Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson becoming an elite fighter in the UFC’s heavyweight division.

Top heavyweight MMA prospect Gable Steveson could potentially be on his way to the UFC, as recent rumors point to the Olympic gold medalist attending UFC 327 this weekend to speak with UFC executives. Steveson has been acknowledged by Joe Rogan, Dana White, and others as a future star in the UFC’s heavyweight division.

As Steveson dives head-first into Mixed Martial Arts, he’s training as a protege of former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones, arguably the greatest fighter in the sport’s history. Jones has repeatedly said he’s making it his personal mission to ensure that Steveson becomes a UFC heavyweight champion as his MMA career kicks off.

Steveson wouldn’t be the first hyped MMA prospect to come from a world-class wrestling background. Bo Nickal, Jacobe Smith, and others have debuted in the Octagon with successful results.

But one top UFC heavyweight believes Steveson’s physical characteristics could impact a quick ascent up the division’s ladder.

Curtis Blaydes: Gable Steveson could get ‘exposed’ against longer heavyweights

During his UFC 327 media day press conference, top UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes pumped the brakes on Steveson finding quick success inside the Octagon.

“I think he’s a lot better grappler than [Josh Hokit], but he doesn’t have the reach, so I feel like that’s going to be an issue,” Blaydes said of Steveson.

“It hasn’t been an issue yet, but you give him a longer guy who knows how to sprawl, and that could be a problem. So I’d like to see him have to figure that out before he gets to the UFC, I don’t want him to be overly rushed and get exposed…

“Who knows [that he’s ready] better than he does? If he believes it, then all power to him.”

Blaydes will fight talented prospect Josh Hokit at UFC 327 this weekend in Miami. Meanwhile, Steveson is 3-0 in his professional MMA career with three first-round knockouts, including at Mexico Fight League 3 in February.

What are your expectations for Gable Steveson in the UFC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!