Josh Hokit mocks expectations for Jon Jones' protégé's UFC debut.

Hokit promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Josh Hokit demonstrated skepticism regarding the high expectations placed on Gable steveson. Pupil of Jon Jones, the Olympic medalist is scaled to debut in UFC 329, scheduled for next Saturday (11), already surrounded by great projection even before stepping into the octagon. The scenario, however, raises doubts for the loudmouth, who questions the excessive enthusiasm surrounding the newcomer.

In a post on 'X', Hokit reacted to statements by coach Greg Jackson, who had pointed to Steveson as a possible revolutionary in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). The fighter stated that he had already heard similar assessments from the coach regarding an amateur athlete with a negative record, emphasizing that, despite recognizing the coach's quality, he remains cautious about this type of projection.

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"I literally heard Greg say this to an amateur with a 2-7 record, before he became one of the best hype coaches in the game, with a great focus on teaching MMA technique," he wrote. Josh Hokit (with a laughing emoji)

I literally heard Greg tell this too a 2-7 amateur before 😂 one of the best hype coaches in the game with a great eye for coaching mma technique.. https://t.co/IwmBdQ0yDA

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) July 7, 2026

Who is Gable Stevenson?

Jon Jones e Gable steveson They train together. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @gable

At 25, Gable steveson He is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion, with a dominant record in collegiate wrestling of 85 wins and only two losses. The athlete also had a brief stint in American football, even being part of the Buffalo Bills roster in the NFL, in addition to an experience in WWE that did not materialize.

In his transition to MMA, Steveson has already racked up three knockout victories, all in the first round. In addition, the American has a lightning-fast victory in dirty boxing, finished in just 15 seconds.

In his UFC debut, the pupil of Jon Jones will face Elisha Ellison, who has only one fight in the organization, a first-round knockout loss against Brando Pericic.