Josh Hokit jibes at Gable Steveson before the Olympic gold medalist's debut at UFC 329

Josh Hokit appears to have downplayed Gable Steveson's potential to make an impact on the UFC heavyweight division.

Hokit's jibe at his fellow American athlete comes just days before Steveson, who's an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling at heavyweight, will make his UFC promotional debut. 

Josh Hokit throws shade at Gable Steveson before the Olympic star's octagon debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329

Josh Hokit and Gable Steveson are regarded as notable young heavyweight stars, whom many view as potential future UFC heavyweight champions. They're both known to train at the world-renowned Jackson Wink MMA fight camp headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. 

Currently, Gable Steveson is booked to make his UFC debut, as he takes on Elisha Ellison in a much-awaited heavyweight clash at the star-studded UFC 329 event in Vegas on July 11. 

In episode No. 1 of the UFC 329 Embedded: Vlog Series posted to the UFC's official YouTube channel, revered MMA coach Greg Jackson heaped praise on Gable Steveson. 

Jackson stated, "You need to tune in now to see where the ceiling for this guy (Gable Steveson) is. 'Cause he might be redefining what this sport is." 

Meanwhile, Steveson said, "I think what people can be excited about for my UFC debut is someone that's new -- with new power, a new face, new speed, and new techniques in the heavyweight division." 

The grappling savant added, "It's probably not the usual heavyweight you'd see, you know, the big and strong ones. This is the new and improved, fast and quick ones that are gonna change the game. And that's gonna start with me." 

Check out Greg Jackson and Gable Steveson's comments around the 4:00-minute mark of the video below: 

Josh Hokit, apparently, soon got wind of Greg Jackson and Gable Steveson's aforementioned assertions. "The Incredible Hok" put forth an X post, wherein he seemed to take a lighthearted jibe at Jackson and insinuate that he's better than Steveson. 

Hokit wrote, "I literally heard Greg tell this too a 2-7 amateur before." Adding a 'Face with Tears of Joy' emoji, Hokit continued, "One of the best hype coaches in the game with a great eye for coaching mma technique.." 

Check out Josh Hokit's X post concerning Greg Jackson and Gable Steveson below: 

I literally heard Greg tell this too a 2-7 amateur before 😂 one of the best hype coaches in the game with a great eye for coaching mma technique.. https://t.co/IwmBdQ0yDA

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) July 7, 2026

Josh Hokit is on the cusp of UFC heavyweight title contention; Gable Steveson eyes statement win at UFC 329

The 28-year-old Josh Hokit boasts a 10-0 professional MMA record. Having been a Division I All-American wrestler and played American Football, Hokit is counted among the best athletes in MMA today.

The polarizing fighter is fresh off a TKO win over Derrick Lewis, whom he dominantly beat at UFC Freedom 250 last month. 

While Hokit is considered to be in the title mix at heavyweight, Gable Steveson is looking to start his UFC run with a statement victory against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329.

Steveson, who previously tried his hand at professional wrestling in the WWE and also ventured into American Football, is 3-0 in MMA. The 26-year-old has vowed to work his way up the UFC food chain and capture the UFC heavyweight championship sooner rather than later.