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Gable Steveson Makes UFC Debut as Record Favorite

Steveson’s Olympic pedigree, mentorship from Jon Jones and Greg Jackson, along with an extreme betting line, could reshape a shallow heavyweight landscape.

Overview

  • Steveson will make his Octagon debut on Saturday at UFC 329 in Las Vegas when he faces Elisha Ellison on the prelims.
  • At the official weigh‑in Steveson came in at 241 pounds while Ellison weighed 236 pounds, both well under the 265‑pound heavyweight limit.
  • Oddsmakers installed Steveson as an extreme favorite, with lines reported as high as -4000, marking what outlets called the largest betting favorite in UFC history.
  • Former two‑division champion Jon Jones and veteran coach Greg Jackson have been actively working with Steveson during fight week and are central to expectations about his ceiling.
  • Ellison is framed as a resilient underdog who has publicly discussed military service, PTSD and a leave from law enforcement, and a Steveson win could accelerate matchup plans in a thin heavyweight division such as fights with Josh Hokit, Ciryl Gane, or Tom Aspinall.