Gable Steveson talks potentially fighting teammate Josh Hokit, claims UFC star could move to light heavyweight

Gable Steveson has put forth his take on a potential MMA showdown between himself and his teammate Josh Hokit. 

Steveson -- who's a gold medalist at heavyweight in the sport of freestyle wrestling, an accolade he notched at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics -- also made a notable claim about Hokit's MMA future. 

The wrestling savant claimed that he's heard Hokit might be moving down in weight, transitioning from the heavyweight (265-pound) division to the light heavyweight (205-pound) division. 

Josh Hokit recently jibed at Gable Steveson and jested about their coach at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy

The 10-0 Josh Hokit is counted among the top heavyweights in the sport of MMA today. In addition to boasting an unbeaten record in the sport, the 28-year-old is known for having previously made a mark in amateur wrestling and American Football. He's currently considered to be in the title mix at heavyweight. 

On the other hand, Gable Steveson is 3-0 as a mixed martial artist. The Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling later tried his hand at professional wrestling in the WWE, and he was also signed by the Buffalo Bills as a pro American Football player. 

That aside, Steveson ultimately chose MMA as the field he primarily wants to focus on at this stage of his athletic career. The 26-year-old is booked to make his UFC promotional debut in a heavyweight matchup against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11. 

Speaking of the two rising heavyweight stars, Josh Hokit recently took to X to seemingly downplay Gable Steveson's standing in the UFC heavyweight division. Hokit even jested about their coach, Greg Jackson of the reputable Jackson Wink MMA Academy, insinuating that Jackson was unnecessarily hyping up Steveson. 

UFC 329 star Gable Steveson is open to fighting Josh Hokit; claims "The Incredible Hok" could move down to light heavyweight

During his UFC 329 media day session, Gable Steveson was asked about facing Elisha Ellison, who some view as a comparatively easier opponent for the debutant at UFC 329. Steveson replied by expressing his respect for Ellison, deeming him the "perfect" debut opponent. 

Steveson indicated that he treats all opponents with similar seriousness -- be it Derrick Lewis, Josh Hokit, Tom Aspinall, or Ciryl Gane. He reiterated that he's focused on Ellison for now. 

Also, when asked about his relationship with Josh Hokit and whether the latter trains at their common training ground, the Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Steveson answered, "Josh Hokit does what Josh Hokit does. And what he's doing is great for him."

In regard to the polarizing public persona/character Hokit is known to present, Steveson said, "The character work is working for him. I mean, applause to him for making it work. And if people like it, people like it. If people don't, then who cares?" 

Steveson was also questioned about whether he and Hokit have trained together, to which the UFC newcomer replied, "We've been in the same room many times. Josh is doing a fantastic job at what Josh does. And good for him." 

Moreover, upon being asked whether he's spoken to his coaches about a potential future MMA matchup between him and Hokit since they're in the same weight class, Steveson clarified that he'd have no qualms about fighting his teammate. The grappling maestro said: 

"No. It's not tough for me to go against Josh Hokit. You know, I honestly heard that Josh Hokit was gonna go down to 205 (light heavyweight) from someone. So if he goes down, that'd be a great decision for him in the long run." 

 

Watch Gable Steveson address his equation with Josh Hokit and more below (*comments at the 3:20 and 5:55-minute marks of the video):