Gable Steveson's journey in the world of MMA is an intriguing one, and his potential as a heavyweight contender has been a topic of much discussion. While many are quick to praise his wrestling prowess and knockout power, there's a critical aspect of his game that might just be his downfall: reach. According to Curtis Blaydes, a seasoned UFC heavyweight, Steveson's lack of reach could be a significant issue in the Octagon.
Steveson's rise to fame is undeniable. With a perfect 3-0 record in MMA, all via first-round knockouts, he's quickly becoming a household name. His Olympic gold medal and wrestling background have undoubtedly contributed to his success, but it's his ability to adapt to the MMA realm that has fans and analysts alike buzzing. However, Blaydes sees a potential pitfall in Steveson's game.
"I think he’s a lot better grappler than (Hokit), but he doesn’t have the reach. So I feel like that’s going to be an issue," Blaydes said at media day. This statement raises an important question: how will Steveson fare against opponents with longer reach and better sprawl techniques? Blaydes' concern is not unfounded, as reach has been a deciding factor in many MMA matches, especially in the heavyweight division.
Steveson's coaches, Greg Jackson and Brandon Gibson, believe that his ability to overcome adversity will be a positive for his development. However, Blaydes' perspective offers a different take. He suggests that Steveson should have more time to figure out these issues before entering the UFC, where he'll face tougher competition. "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," Blaydes said.
Steveson's mentors, including the legendary Jon Jones, have high hopes for his future. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, has even predicted that Steveson will be the most elite heavyweight by the end of 2026. However, Blaydes' warning about reach cannot be ignored. It's a detail that could make or break Steveson's UFC career.
In my opinion, Steveson's lack of reach is a fascinating yet potentially problematic aspect of his game. While he may have the skills to overcome this issue, it's a detail that could be overlooked in the heat of battle. What makes this particularly interesting is the contrast between Steveson's impressive knockout power and his potential reach-related weakness. It raises a deeper question: can Steveson adapt quickly enough to the UFC's top-tier competition?
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of reach in MMA, especially in the heavyweight division. It's a detail that many fans and analysts might overlook, but it's a critical aspect of the sport. From my perspective, Steveson's journey in MMA is a testament to the importance of adaptability and the need to address potential weaknesses. As he continues to rise through the ranks, his ability to overcome this challenge will be a key factor in determining his future success.
