Gable Steveson Makes UFC Debut Against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 in Las Vegas
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson makes his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison on Saturday at UFC 329. "This is a perfect debut opponent for me.
Olympic gold medalist and former NFL prospect Gable Steveson steps into the octagon for his promotional debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329, a heavyweight preliminary bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Steveson enters as a -2166 betting favorite, reflecting confidence in the accomplished wrestler's transition to mixed martial arts.
From Wrestling to the NFL to UFC
Steveson's career has followed an unconventional path. The University of Minnesota product won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Summer Olympics and earned two NCAA Division I national championships and four Big Ten titles during his college years. He initially pursued professional wrestling with WWE before pivoting to a surprising venture in football.
In May 2024, at just 24 years old, Steveson signed with the Buffalo Bills as a defensive lineman despite never playing football at any level, including high school. During the Bills' preseason, he recorded three tackles and two quarterback pressures across three games in limited action before the roster was finalized. While his NFL chapter proved brief, the experience underscored his exceptional athleticism and adaptability across multiple sports.
UFC Debut and Opponent Assessment
Steveson now faces Ellison, who holds a 5-2 mixed martial arts record with one previous UFC appearance. At the pre-fight news conference, Steveson emphasized his singular focus regardless of opponent caliber. "This is a perfect debut opponent for me. All respect to Elisha for taking this matchup," Steveson stated, adding that he approaches every fight with the same intensity, whether against a preliminary opponent or a title contender.
The heavyweight bout sits on the undercard of UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2, providing significant visibility for Steveson's promotional debut. The three-round contest offers the decorated wrestler a platform to demonstrate his striking and submission capabilities developed during his early amateur mixed martial arts career, where he maintains a 3-0 record.
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