Gable Steveson’s UFC Debut Plan Revealed
Following the announcement of Gable Steveson’s signing at UFC 327, Dana White clarified that he will not face a top-15 ranked opponent for his debut at UFC 329 on July 11.
Steveson has spent the early months of 2026 training alongside Jon Jones. “Bones” has been a vocal mentor, recently stating that Steveson can become a future UFC champion. As a two-time NCAA Division I champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist, Steveson enters as a skilful wrestler in the division.
White Reacts
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Since committing to MMA full-time after stints in the WWE, Steveson has racked up three consecutive first-round stoppages—most recently a stoppage of Hugo Lezama in February. While many fans were hoping for a debut against Derrick Lewis or Tai Tuivasa, White dismissed the idea of a ranked opponent. Placing Steveson in featured main-card slots against experienced veterans who aren’t currently in the title picture may be a wise move, like Bo Nickal had.
“I don’t know if we go after a top-15 guy. I say this to you guys all the time: The UFC jitters are real. Walking in – I don’t care how you’ve competed or where or what you’ve done. When you come here, it’s a different level. Like I said earlier tonight, our matchmakers are the best in the business. We’ll figure him out and get him the right fight … at what we think his level is and what we think he’s capable of,” White said
| Feature | Gable Steveson | Bo Nickal (At Debut) |
| Wrestling Base | Olympic Gold / 2x NCAA | 3x NCAA Champion |
| MMA Record | 3-0 (3 First-Round KOs) | 3-0 (3 First-Round Finishes) |
| Debut Age | 25 | 27 |
| Debut Event | UFC 329 (International Fight Week) | UFC 285 |
A Good Move?
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The heavyweight division is the most unforgiving. One mistake against a “gatekeeper” like Derrick Lewis could result in a highlight-reel knockout. Brock Lesnar’s debut against Frank Mir was a massive spectacle, but Mir’s veteran savvy (securing a kneebar) showed that even elite wrestling can be neutralized by specialized MMA experience. By avoiding a top-15 opponent, the UFC ensures Steveson faces someone who will test his skills without necessarily having the finishing ability of a top contender.
The heavyweight division has Tom Aspinall as the champion and new fighters like Hokit; there is no need to rush a 25-year-old who is still learning to blend his wrestling with elite striking. A dominant win over an unranked veteran at UFC 329 will do more to validate Gable’s credentials.
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