Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson hasn’t even stepped into the UFC Octagon yet, but the hype surrounding his arrival has already sparked conversations about future title fights.
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished wrestling prospects ever to sign with the UFC, Steveson makes his promotional debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329. Despite owning just a 3-0 professional MMA record, expectations are sky-high for the former Olympic and NCAA champion. And Steveson isn’t shying away from them.
Heavyweight Contenders Already on His Radar
Steveson admits he’s already watching the UFC heavyweight division closely. Names like Ciryl Gane, Tom Aspinall, and rising contender Josh Hokit have caught his attention, but the 24-year-old insists his immediate focus remains on making a statement in his first UFC appearance.
“Of course, I’m eyeballing them,” Steveson said during UFC 329 media day. “But my first task is to go out there Saturday night and put on a great performance and let everybody in this room know that I’m here.”
Josh Hokit Isn’t a Problem
One of the more intriguing potential matchups involves fellow heavyweight Josh Hokit.
Like Steveson, Hokit comes from a decorated wrestling background and trains under legendary coach Greg Jackson in New Mexico. Hokit has also become known for his entertaining personality and unconventional antics both inside and outside the cage.
Steveson appreciates what Hokit brings to the sport.
“Josh Hokit does what Josh Hokit does,” Steveson said. “What he’s doing is great for him. The character work is working for him. Applause for him making it work. If people like it, people like it. If people don’t, then who cares.”
The two have trained around one another numerous times despite sharing coaching resources.
“We’ve been in the same room many times. Josh is doing a fantastic job of what Josh does. Good for him.”
A Different Weight Class May Be Better
While Steveson isn’t opposed to facing Hokit someday, he believes the rising heavyweight may ultimately be better suited competing at light heavyweight.
“It’s not tough for me to go against Josh Hokit,” Steveson said. “I honestly heard that Josh Hokit was going to go down to 205 from someone. If he goes down, that would be a great decision for him in the long run.”
For now, Steveson says his focus remains on climbing toward the very top of the heavyweight division.
All Eyes on UFC 329
Before any championship talk becomes reality, Steveson must first handle business against Elisha Ellison. Oddsmakers have installed him as one of the biggest betting favorites ever entering a UFC debut a reflection of the enormous expectations surrounding the Olympic champion.
Despite the hype, Steveson says his mindset hasn’t changed.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Steveson said. “I come to show up and do the best thing that I can possibly ever do and that’s win and that’s all that matters to me.”
If Steveson delivers the dominant performance many expect at UFC 329, the countdown toward a future heavyweight title shot could begin much sooner than anyone imagined.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
