Gable Steveson’s UFC Debut Takes Unexpected Turn Ahead of UFC 329
Gable Steveson will still fight on UFC 329 on July 11, but the slotting of his fight has changed.
While Conor McGregor's blockbuster return continues to dominate the conversation ahead of UFC 329, another highly anticipated storyline has taken an unexpected twist. Olympic gold medalist and Jon Jones' prodigy Gable Steveson was originally set to make his long-awaited UFC debut on the pay-per-view's main card, but the promotion has quietly moved the undefeated heavyweight prospect to the preliminary card.
Steveson will now face Elisha Ellison, a surprising change for one of the UFC's most heavily hyped new signings.
Gable Steveson's UFC Debut Shifted to Prelims
When the UFC first announced the lineup for UFC 329, Gable Steveson's Octagon debut was positioned as the opening bout of the pay-per-view main card. For an athlete making his promotional debut, it was a clear indication of the promotion's confidence in one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever transition into mixed martial arts.
That plan, however, has now changed.
As per MMA Junkie Steveson's clash against fellow heavyweight Elisha Ellison has been moved to the preliminary card. While the reason behind the reshuffle remains unclear, the move does little to diminish the intrigue surrounding the 26-year-old's first UFC appearance.
'Steveson Off to Undefeated Start
Steveson enters the organization with massive expectations. The Olympic gold medalist has long been viewed as one of the brightest crossover prospects in combat sports, courtesy of his elite wrestling pedigree and underrated striking fight craft.
Since committing to MMA, he has quietly built an unbeaten 3-0 professional record, all three wins via TKO/KO, convincing many that he possesses the tools to become a serious force in the UFC's heavyweight division.
On the other hand, his opponent, Ellison, represents a stern first test inside the Octagon. Although the Indiana-native enters as the more celebrated athlete, UFC debuts have a habit of producing surprises, especially in the heavyweight division.
Furthermore, the adjustment also means fans attending the early portion of UFC 329 will be treated to one of the event's most anticipated storylines before the pay-per-view begins. With McGregor, Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and several other established names occupying the main card, Steveson's debut still has every opportunity to command attention if he delivers an impressive performance.
Jon Jones Continues to Tease UFC Comeback While Preparing Steveson
Steveson's training camp has attracted even more attention because of the man helping lead it, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Although "Bones" announced his retirement following months of uncertainty surrounding a title unification bout with Tom Aspinall, he has remained deeply involved in Steveson's preparation for UFC 329. According to the undefeated fighter, he has served as Stevenson's primary training partner throughout camp, giving fans another glimpse of his own physical condition.
That in turn inevitably led to speculation about Jones' future in the promotion.
When asked on social media whether he could follow McGregor in making a long-awaited return to the Octagon, Jones stopped short of ruling anything out.
Replying to a fan, he wrote, "Never say never, right now we are finishing up Gable's training camp. He's looking extraordinary. I've been his main training partner, and I'm moving like I never left. Stem cells must be working."
Could Jon Jones Eventually Return?
The comments were enough to reignite discussion about a possible comeback. While the former two-division champion has been flirting with the idea of a comeback more than once since announcing his retirement, his latest comments suggest he isn't ready to rule anything out completely.
For the time being, though, Jones' attention appears to be fixed on Steveson. Even after being moved to the preliminary card, Steveson's first walk to the Octagon remains one of the biggest talking points heading into UFC 329.
Case in point: A statement victory could quickly justify the hype that has followed him from the wrestling mat to MMA.
