The wait for MMA fans and professionals is over, and not just because Conor McGregor is returning to action at UFC 329. Besides featuring the Irish star in the main event, the important event, which takes place this Saturday (11) in Las Vegas (USA), marks the debut of the promising Gable Stevenson . Therefore, the expectation now is that the American will shine in the octagon and quickly establish himself among the elite of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).
Why is so much expected of Gable? Simply because the American is far from being a mere newcomer. The athlete has Jon Jones as a friend and mentor in MMA and made his mark in wrestling, winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics (Japan) in 2020. Now, at 26 years old and focused on mixed martial arts, the fighter is taking advantage of the partnership, evolving with each fight and, not surprisingly, is undefeated, with three first-round knockout victories.
See too
Jon Jones and Gable during training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones
Therefore, if Jon Jones made his mark in MMA in the past with his dominance, many currently believe that Gable has everything it takes to be the 'New Bones', that is, to shine in the sport and make history. Furthermore, the expectation is that the athlete will waste no time, put on a show against Elisha Ellison and soon join the elite of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg), especially since the competition is low. Excited, Jones, fans, and sports professionals affirm that the wrestler already possesses what it takes to beat the top fighters in the division, such as Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall.
It's worth noting that Gable, despite being known for his exceptional wrestling skills, has shown that he's not a one-dimensional professional. Still early in his MMA career, he stands out for his frequent fights, good striking, athleticism, intelligence, speed, and explosiveness. Therefore, the UFC is likely to treat its new product with care, especially since he's a fan favorite in the United States and has considerable appeal in this current entertainment era.
UFC 329 technical sheet
Date: July 11 of 2026
Time: From 18pm (Brasília time)
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, Paramount+ (entire card) on TV and internet.
MAIN CARD (22pm Brasília time)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Benoit Saint Denis x Paddy Pimblett
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Brandon Royval x Lone'er Kavanagh
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Bobby Green vs. Terrance McKinney
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Nikita Krylov vs. Robert Whittaker
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Gable Steveson x Elisha Ellison
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Cody Garbrandt x Adrian Yanez
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Luke Riley x Kai Kamaka III
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Tracy Cortez x Wang Cong
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Damian Pinas x Cesar Almeida
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Farid Basharat vs. John Garza
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra vs. Zachary Reese
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alessandro Costa vs. Cody Durden
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Comments