Gable Steveson dismisses Josh Hokit ahead of UFC 329 debut

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has escalated his verbal sparring with heavyweight contender Josh Hokit days before his UFC 329 debut.

Both fighters train in Albuquerque and are tied to Jackson-Wink MMA Academy, though the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear. Steveson acknowledged earlier this week that he and Hokit have shared mat time, MMA Mania reported, and initially suggested the rising contender would move to light heavyweight, keeping their paths from crossing. By midweek, the tone had shifted.

Steveson questions Hokit's wrestling credentials

Speaking with Jon-Bernard Kairouz, Steveson made clear he does not view Hokit as a threat. "I've never seen him in a bracket that I was in," Steveson said, per MMA Mania. "If Bo Nickal can go out there and pin you? You think Bo Nickal can pin me? Bo Nickal cannot pin me. You know what I would do to Bo Nickal in a wrestling match? I would beat Bo Nickal 10-0 in under a minute." He went on to encourage Hokit to drop to 205 pounds, adding that when it comes to wrestling or fighting, "he's not on the same level as me."

Hokit posted on social media Thursday night that he plans to stay at heavyweight and pursue the title. He is closer to a championship opportunity than Steveson at the moment, but a clash between the two could materialize within the year if both continue winning.

Steveson faces Elisha Ellison tonight at UFC 329, entering as the largest betting favorite in UFC history.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Beef brewing? UFC 329’s Gable Steveson suddenly goes off on Josh Hokit: ‘Not on the same level’