Amid ongoing discussions about the future of American champions in the UFC, Mike Perry has voiced a strong opinion on who should carry the Jon Jones legacy contender debate forward. On a recent episode of the Overdogs podcast, Perry dismissed popular names, including Sean Brady, and designated Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson as the promising contender to uphold the mantle. This declaration arrives during a period when the UFC is searching for fresh American stars to rise.
Perry made his stance clear by saying,
“We need an American champion. That’s not Jon Jones,”
signaling a perceived end to Jones’ era after his decision to vacate the title. When podcast co-host Mac Mally suggested Sean Brady as a candidate, Perry rejected the idea vehemently:
No, f— out of here, dude. What the f—?
Despite Brady’s impressive victory streak against fighters like Leon Edwards, Gilbert Burns, and Kelvin Gastelum, Perry questioned his capacity for superstardom.
Instead, Perry’s focus is on Gable Steveson, an athlete yet to make his UFC debut but with a distinguished wrestling pedigree. Steveson, who won Olympic gold and has experience in WWE and the NFL, is now fully committed to mixed martial arts. Training alongside Jon Jones at Syndicate MMA and preparing for a grappling match with Craig Jones in 2025, Steveson’s foundation appears promising to Perry as a rare combination of elite wrestling skill and crossover appeal.
Reflecting skepticism about this choice, Mac Mally described the pick as,
Well, but that’s a Hail Mary, bro.
While Steveson undeniably possesses outstanding credentials and athleticism, excelling in MMA demands diverse skills beyond wrestling. Meanwhile, Sean Brady’s status in the UFC speaks to his readiness—he holds the #2 ranking in a highly competitive division, has recorded a submission win over a former champion, and maintains only a single loss in his UFC career.
According to Perry, however, achieving superstardom entails more than just rank or records; it involves aura, dominance, and potential appeal beyond the sport. This perspective may appear ambitious, but if Steveson fulfills his potential, Perry’s claim might eventually be seen as a prescient observation.
Jon Jones’ Return Puts the Next American Champion Discussion on Pause
Although Mike Perry projects the future of American champions in the UFC, Jon Jones himself remains very much active, having announced a comeback just as Perry raised the conversation about successors like Gable Steveson. Jones plans to return during a significant UFC event marking America’s 250th birthday, which may become one of the most patriotic stages in the promotion’s history.
Jones expressed his personal motivation behind the return, tweeting, I found my reason why, in reference to the UFC’s historic Fourth of July plans. He added,
Donald made his announcement on the morning of the Fourth of July; I called the UFC headquarters that very same afternoon,
emphasizing the seriousness of his commitment regardless of opponent or rankings.
This announcement means the spotlight will remain largely on Jones as long as he is competing. Thus, while Perry’s prediction highlights Steveson as the future hope, the timing for Steveson to take the reins will likely have to wait until after Jones concludes this chapter of his career.
The Case for Gable Steveson and the Challenge for New American UFC Champions
The debate over who will succeed Jon Jones as the foremost American champion revolves around contrasting strengths. Gable Steveson offers a rare blend of Olympic-level wrestling expertise, youthful potential, and burgeoning training connections with top MMA talent. His transition from other sports, including WWE and the NFL, underscores a diverse athletic background that might translate into crossover appeal.
However, wrestling alone is not enough in the UFC’s complex competitive environment. Fighters like Sean Brady represent a more traditional MMA path, backed by a strong record and proven performance against elite opponents. Brady’s current #2 ranking in his division and experience with submission finishes illustrate his capability, even if Perry questions his star power.
Steveson’s grappling bout scheduled for 2025 against renowned competitor Craig Jones will offer an early indicator of his MMA readiness, testing how well his skills adapt to the sport’s demands. His progress and ability to harness the momentum from his athletic reputation will be crucial to determining if he is truly the long-term successor to the Jon Jones legacy.
Mike Perry’s Commentary Reflects Broader Uncertainty in UFC’s American Legacy
Mike Perry’s candid opinions reveal a broader uncertainty about who will emerge as the next defining American fighter in the UFC. He dismisses conventional candidates, elevating a less established but potentially explosive athlete in Steveson, while acknowledging that the path forward is far from guaranteed.
The ongoing return of Jon Jones complicates this transition, keeping the current generation’s dominant figure in the spotlight and delaying the rise of new contenders. Yet as Jones once again prepares to make history, the conversation about the future remains vital for fans and industry insiders eager to see who will uphold and extend the legacy of America’s premier UFC champion.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. Jones faced a temporary suspension due to this issue. On September 13, USADA announced that both the “A” and “B” samples from Jones tested positive for Turinabol. Consequently, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) officially changed the fight’s result to a no contest.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. During the hearing, it was disclosed that Jones tested positive for metabolites of clomiphene and letrozole. These substances are in Tadalafil, a drug for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted using.