​ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 28: Olympic gold medalist, former NCAA wrestling champion and UFC fighter Gable Steveson throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on May 28, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images Gable Steveson will make his Octagon debut at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas and according to the Olympic gold medalist, he’ll be heavyweight champion in less than 18 months.Hoping to play spoiler on the preliminary card of the “McGregor vs. Holloway 2” lineup is UFC sophomore Elisha Ellison, who got knocked out by Brando Pericic in his first UFC appearance last fall. Clearly the promotion wants an easy layup for Steveson’s debut (it’s not unusual) and the bookies have responded accordingly.Steveson is currently a -2800 betting favorite, according to Draft Kings, against +1300 for the 5-2 Ellison.“You know, it’s a big stage,” Steveson told KRQE. “But I’ve been on big stages my whole life. There’s always pressure, but pressure makes diamonds. I’ve got a great team around me. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have these guys invested in me.”Steveson, 26, is 3-0 in MMA and 1-0 in dirty boxing.