On the UFC 329 Prelims, Gable Steveson, one of the greatest prospects in history, is making his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison in a three-round Heavyweight contest. Steveson is an Olympic Gold Medalist, four-time Big Ten Champion, and two-time NCAA Champion in wrestling. He also won the Dan Hodge Trophy twice, which is awarded to the best wrestler in the country.
Check out my best bet for Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison at UFC 329.
Gable Steveson to Win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 (-225)
Steveson is 3-0 in MMA so far with three knockouts. When he started his MMA career, Steveson developed a friendship with former two-division UFC Champion Jon Jones and has trained with him at his home gym, Jackson Wink MMA Academy. All three of his MMA wins have come in the first round. Ellison has a record of 5-2 with four knockouts and one submission. In September 2025, Ellison lost his UFC debut against Brando Pericic.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Steveson is a massive -1450, while Ellison is the underdog at +850. Steveson is also -1100 to win by finish and +330 to win in the first round. The over/under is 1.5 rounds, with the under being -540 and the over at +360.
In this fight, Ellison has the physical edge, with a four-inch reach advantage (78″ vs. 74″) and being slightly taller (6’0″ vs. 5’11”). Even though Steveson was known primarily as a wrestler entering MMA, he has displayed impressive striking, especially for someone who is so new to the sport. Steveson’s fight IQ and aggressiveness have been evident in his first few fights. Since Steveson is smaller, he will need to pressure Ellison and close the distance to inflict damage. With Steveson being such a huge favorite, I’m taking him to win by KO/TKO/DQ in the first round at -225. Even if he decides to display his elite wrestling, I think his powerful ground-and-pound could be used to secure the finish.
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