​Gable Steveson secured his first victory inside the UFC after an impressive debut at UFC 329. Competing on the prelims at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Steveson entered the octagon as the event’s biggest betting favorite to face Elisha Ellison in what was expected to be a fast-paced test for the undefeated heavyweight. The bout delivered in that respect, ending with Steveson signaling the end of the encounter with a flurry of strikes at 2:31 of the first round.
Steveson delivered on the hype surrounding his move to the UFC, and he did so in a manner that suggested the transition from amateur and collegiate wrestling to mixed martial arts is increasingly smooth for him. Ellison, riding confidence into his UFC debut, offered a measure of resistance and pop to challenge Steveson’s chin, yet he couldn’t withstand the steady march of jabs and body kicks that the Olympic gold medalist wrestler unleashed. After a brief interruption caused by a low front kick from Steveson, the former collegiate standout resumed his assault, methodically breaking down Ellison with precise striking and pressure.
The exchange between knees from the Thai clinch and a sustained volley of power punches along the fence ultimately sent Ellison crashing to the canvas, sealing the finish. A clip of the finish circulating through X captured Steveson’s finish in real time, underscoring the effectiveness and decisiveness of his performance.
With this win, Steveson now holds a UFC record of 1-0, a milestone that could propel him toward faster action up the division ladder given his high-profile status and his athletic pedigree. His training under the guidance of UFC legend Jon Jones appears to have translated well into the Octagon, contributing to a performance that suggested more success could be on the horizon. In terms of experience, Steveson remains early in his MMA career, with only four professional fights to his name, but his resume as a decorated wrestler and his growing comfort in striking exchanges position him as a contender who could ascend quickly if he continues to refine his game.
Gable Steveson def. Elisha Ellison via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:31. This win marks a successful UFC entrance for Steveson and a noteworthy first impression in the 2024 UFC landscape. The moment signaled not only the conclusion of an entertaining debut but also the beginning of what could be a notable UFC journey for the former Olympic champion in the heavyweight division.