Gable Steveson to debut at UFC 329 as historic favorite

Olympic gold medalist and former NCAA wrestling champion Gable Steveson is set to make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut this Saturday, July 11, at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The 26-year-old heavyweight prospect will face Elisha Ellison at T-Mobile Arena in a bout that has generated significant anticipation due to Steveson's decorated amateur background and the historic betting odds in his favor.

Steveson enters the UFC as the biggest betting favorite in the promotion's history, surpassing the previous record set by fellow wrestler Bo Nickal. On some betting markets, his odds to win have reached as high as -4000. This unprecedented status comes despite his relatively brief professional mixed martial arts career, which consists of three first-round victories and one bout under hybrid rules. His opponent, Ellison, lost his own UFC debut by first-round finish last September.

Ahead of the fight, Steveson has expressed supreme confidence in his abilities, stating he believes he can be the best at any sport he undertakes. He described his debut as an opportunity to introduce a new style to the heavyweight division, emphasizing speed and technique over pure size. His coach, legendary...