Gable Steveson on Josh Hokit matchup: move to 205 'a great decision'

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson says he has no issue fighting Josh Hokit despite sharing coaches with the rising heavyweight contender, but he thinks Hokit should consider a weight cut first.

Speaking at UFC 329 media day, Steveson addressed the potential matchup and revealed he has heard Hokit may drop to 205 pounds. "If he goes down, that would be a great decision for him in the long run," Steveson said, per MMA Fighting. The two fighters train under Greg Jackson in New Mexico, though Steveson downplayed any conflict. "We've been in the same room many times," he told reporters. "Josh is doing a fantastic job of what Josh does. Good for him."

Steveson eyeing heavyweight elite ahead of UFC debut

Hokit has become one of the UFC's most talked-about fighters for his wrestling pedigree and unpredictable antics, but Steveson is focused on bigger names. He confirmed he is tracking Ciryl Gane, Tom Aspinall, and other top heavyweights as he prepares for his octagon debut against Elisha Ellison on Saturday. "My first task is to go out there Saturday night and put on a great performance," he said.

Steveson enters the bout as a massive betting favorite despite just a 3-0 professional record. The two-time NCAA champion and mentee of Jon Jones said the hype does not faze him. "I come to show up and do the best thing that I can possibly ever do and that's win," he added.

UFC 329 takes place Saturday with Steveson's heavyweight debut as one of the undercard attractions.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Primavera / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Gable Steveson addresses potential fight against Josh Hokit, advises him moving to 205 pounds ‘would be a great decision’ | MMA Fighting