​Gable Steveson entered UFC 329 as a colossal favorite, sitting around -2800 to defeat Elisha Ellison, a line that reflected Steveson’s Olympic wrestling pedigree and decorated college wrestling career. His victory didn’t come as a clean, one-sided blowout, but the Jon Jones protégé proved he was ready to step into the breach for his UFC debut and trade blows in the octagon. Ellison pressed forward, clearly aiming to seize the moment and steal Steveson’s spotlight, while Steveson held his ground and answered the challenge with a brutal, unflinching display of power, finishing the bout with a flurry of right hands and knees. Fans can catch the highlights and see the intensity of the exchange that unfolded in a matter of minutes.
After the fight, Steveson spoke with reporters at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference, reflecting on the magnitude of competing on a big card under heavy scrutiny. “It’s a cool thing to be out there on a nationally televised event, under a great deal of pressure, with so many eyes watching to see what Gable Steveson can do,” he said. “I hope I delivered for everyone watching on TV, and for the fans who may not know me yet, I want to make sure they know who I am now.” He added that there was still more to show, acknowledging Ellison’s grit and the effort Ellison put into trying to turn the tables.
Steveson acknowledged that a brawl like the one he shared with Ellison was part of the sport’s reality, especially for a two-time Division I champion stepping into the UFC for the first time. “It’s going to happen in a fight; you’re going to get hit,” he commented. “Maybe I took a big shot, but I bounced back and got right back in his face, which is what I’m supposed to do.” He explained that his initial takedown attempt was a tactical measure to gauge Ellison’s defense and to disrupt his rhythm, aiming to test Ellison’s reactions and determine how he would respond under pressure. Steveson noted that in the early exchange, Ellison defended the first takedown attempt, a sign of the opponent’s resilience and preparation, and Steveson admitted that with more attempts, he believed he could have forced the issue even more.
The Olympic wrestling gold medalist also opened up about a conversation with fellow American wrestler Daniel Cormier after the victory. He shared that he is a big fan of Cormier and approached him with respect for his accomplishments in the sport. Steveson indicated that he told DC he didn’t need takedowns to secure the win in that moment, and that Cormier offered his congratulations. He emphasized that while DC’s perspective as a wrestler who can shoot repeatedly was influential, Steveson was confident in his own path, acknowledging that as time goes on, he would continue to mix in takedowns and strike to keep opponents off balance and advance his career within the UFC.
In the wake of the performance, Steveson’s future in the UFC looks poised for further evolution. While the night did not mark a flawless, textbook debut, it underscored his willingness to engage in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment, confronting adversity with a blend of wrestling fundamentals and striking intensity. As he gains more experience and hones his technique, fans can expect him to refine his approach, balance his stock of takedowns with improved timing, and showcase the full breadth of his athletic skillset. For now, Steveson can claim a memorable UFC debut that demonstrated his readiness to test himself against tough competition and to grow from the challenges that come with stepping into the world’s premier fighting promotion.