Former Fighter Offers Advice to Gable Steveson Ahead of UFC Debut

Aaron Pico knows firsthand the weight of expectations that come with entering the world of mixed martial arts. With just three fights under his belt, Gable Steveson is already facing considerable anticipation as he prepares for his UFC debut next month in Las Vegas.

Pico, who has experienced similar pressures in his own career, recently shared insights for Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist, emphasizing the importance of making his voice heard in decisions about his career. Having trained alongside Jon Jones and being part of the same coaching network, Steveson is well-positioned as he transitions into MMA.

Reflecting on his own entry into professional fighting, Pico recalled his debut in 2017 at Madison Square Garden, where he already had a deal with Bellator and a major endorsement from Nike. He now prepares to return to wrestling, facing Lance Palmer in St. Louis later today.

In a conversation with Bloody Elbow, Pico offered his key piece of advice for Steveson: “The biggest advice I’d give to him is just train hard, listen to your coaches and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. But, Gable’s a champion and I mean, there’s no doubt I believe he can be a UFC champion. He already won the Olympics, so he has a very good mindset.”

Pico’s own journey hasn’t been without hurdles, as he faced setbacks in both his MMA and UFC debuts amid high expectations. Similar concerns were voiced last year regarding Bo Nickal, whose rapid rise in the UFC led to his first professional defeat.