Gable Steveson says he is treating his UFC debut opponent Elisha Ellison with the same level of respect and focus he would give any heavyweight in the promotion, dismissing questions about the broader hype surrounding his career trajectory.
Steveson spoke to MMA Junkie and other reporters at the UFC 329 pre-fight press conference ahead of Saturday’s preliminary card fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
This is a perfect debut opponent for me. All respect to Elisha for taking this matchup. I come out there, and like I said, treat everybody the same whether it’s Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit, Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane. But my matchup Saturday is what I’m looking forward to, and that’s all. It doesn’t matter to me. I come to show up and do the best thing I ever possibly do, and that’s win. That’s all that matters to me.
Steveson, 3-0 in MMA, is a two-time NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist in wrestling who trains alongside Jon Jones and with coach Greg Jackson. His debut had originally been placed on the UFC 329 main card before being moved to the preliminary card. Despite the card adjustment, he remains one of the most anticipated debuting fighters in recent heavyweight history given his amateur background.
