Analyst Laura Sanko is intrigued by the prospect of Gable Steveson shaking up the UFC's heavyweight division. Steveson, a 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist wrestler, has already made waves in the MMA world with his impressive performances in just two professional fights. His ability to captivate audiences and deliver highlight-reel finishes has caught the attention of UFC CEO Dana White, who has expressed interest in signing him. Moreover, Steveson has the octagon legend Jon Jones as a mentor and coach, providing him with invaluable guidance. Sanko speculates that Steveson could have a breakout year in the UFC, especially given the heavyweight division's desperate need for stars. The division's new broadcast deal with Paramount+ further emphasizes the importance of attracting big names and creating exciting knockouts. Steveson's potential to appeal to a general audience and compete with established stars like Tom Aspinall is what makes him so intriguing. However, Sanko is cautious about rushing Steveson's development, acknowledging that he still needs to prove himself. She believes that the heavyweight division provides an opportunity for Steveson to accelerate his growth, as it demands a different skill set compared to other weight classes. While Steveson may not be quite as dominant as Brock Lesnar, his potential to disrupt the UFC and captivate fans is undeniable. The question remains: can he live up to the hype and become a true force in the heavyweight division? The MMA world is eagerly awaiting the answer, and Steveson's journey will undoubtedly be a fascinating one to follow.
