Story perspectives

Gable Steveson Scores Fourth Opening-Round TKO at UFC 329

7/12/2026

Summary

Steveson KO Victory

Gable Steveson won by first-round technical knockout over Elisha Ellison at UFC 329, moving his professional record to 4-0.
He entered the bout as a -1750 favorite and covered a 1.5-round total under -450.
The victory marked Steveson’s fourth consecutive opening-round knockout or technical knockout since September 2025.
Ellison’s loss dropped him to 5-3 overall and 0-2 in the UFC, with UFC 329 generating a $25 million gate and fighter purses undisclosed.

Summary

Steveson UFC Debut

Olympic champion Gable Steveson, 2020 gold-medalist and two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner who tried WWE and the NFL, fought at UFC 329.
After the bout, he told Joe Rogan that time will tell his future and that he is concentrating on striking development.
Jon Jones coached him to use calf kicks, clinch knees and a flying knee, while Steveson said he has zero interest in relying on his wrestling pedigree.

Summary

Steveson Crossover Pitch

UFC presented Steveson's debut at Media Day as a “real heavyweight intrigue” to highlight his crossover appeal.
The promotion said his shift to MMA was always the plan, framing it as a deliberate long-term strategy.
Greg Jackson noted Steveson's unprecedented athletic profile, intelligence and coachability, emphasizing his marketability.
UFC officials argued his Olympic, WWE and NFL background could draw new fans and lift heavyweight viewership ahead of UFC 329.

History

Historical Context

On February 2 2008 former WWE champion Brock Lesnar made his UFC debut at UFC 81, losing to former champion Frank Mir by kneebar. His high-profile entry proved that a major wrestling star could draw unprecedented interest, a pattern the promotion later repeated with other wrestlers-turned-fighters. The crossover highlighted UFC’s strategy of using celebrity athletes to expand its heavyweight audience.

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Steveson KO Victory

Gable Steveson won by first-round technical knockout over Elisha Ellison at UFC 329, moving his professional record to 4-0.
He entered the bout as a -1750 favorite and covered a 1.5-round total under -450.
The victory marked Steveson’s fourth consecutive opening-round knockout or technical knockout since September 2025.
Ellison’s loss dropped him to 5-3 overall and 0-2 in the UFC, with UFC 329 generating a $25 million gate and fighter purses undisclosed.

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