Elisha Ellison Embraces Massive Underdog Role Against Gable Steveson at UFC 329

Opportunity of a Lifetime

Ellison (5-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) understands the challenge ahead. Steveson enters the UFC carrying enormous expectations after winning Olympic gold in wrestling and building an undefeated 3-0 professional MMA record before making his Octagon debut.

Despite being listed as a betting underdog of more than 20-to-1 in some sportsbooks, Ellison isn’t intimidated. “I think the thing I was most excited about was the matchup itself and all the hype that Gable has,” Ellison told MMA Junkie. “The opportunity to shock the world is what I’m most excited about.”

Recognizing the magnitude of the assignment, Ellison relocated from Washington to Arizona to train at Ultimate Kombat Training Center under coach Javier Torres.

His preparation includes working with:

• Waldo Cortes-Acosta
• Tyrell Fortune

Ellison believes training with elite heavyweights and wrestlers will help prepare him for Steveson’s explosive style. “He’s a very explosive fighter,” Ellison said. “If he gets hit hard, he’s going to revert back to what his nature is, and that’s wrestling.”

Ellison’s strategy centers around controlling distance, forcing Steveson into uncomfortable exchanges, and making him fight rather than wrestle. “It’s a fight, not a wrestling match,” Ellison said.

Learning From His UFC Debut

Ellison’s confidence also comes from lessons learned during his UFC debut. Earlier this year at UFC Fight Night 260, Ellison suffered a knockout loss to Brando Pericic in a performance he admits wasn’t representative of his abilities.

The 29-year-old says nerves played a significant role. “I wasn’t able to fight like myself at all,” Ellison admitted. “I was very contained.” Now having experienced the UFC spotlight once already, Ellison believes he’ll enter UFC 329 more relaxed and better prepared.

For Ellison, the pressure rests entirely on Steveson’s shoulders. The Olympic champion is expected to win. Ellison is expected to lose. That dynamic is exactly what motivates him.

“I like being the underdog,” Ellison said. “There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.” A victory over one of the UFC’s most heavily promoted prospects would instantly transform Ellison from an overlooked heavyweight into one of the division’s biggest stories.

And that’s exactly what he’s aiming for. “When I shock the world,” Ellison said, “I’ll make everybody shut the hell up.”