Gable Steveson scores brutal KO in UFC debut without a takedown

Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson won his UFC debut with a first-round knockout at UFC 329 on Saturday night, finishing Elisha Ellison without attempting a single successful takedown.

MMA Mania reports that Steveson opened the heavyweight bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a barrage of front kicks to the body before unleashing a series of heavy punches that dropped Ellison. The finish came despite an early guillotine threat that waved off Steveson's first wrestling attempt and a brief low blow stoppage that paused the frantic action.

How Steveson's striking stunned the doubters

Steveson entered the cage as a massive -4000 betting favorite but surprised observers by abandoning his world-class grappling entirely. Both fighters landed hard shots in the opening exchanges, with Ellison throwing wild counters and a big elbow in an effort to survive. Steveson kept returning to a punishing front kick — a weapon observers credited to his training sessions with heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion Jon Jones — before the final flurry put Ellison on the canvas.

The 24-year-old's aggressive approach and raw athleticism overwhelmed his opponent even as Ellison refused to fold quietly. Steveson's ability to finish without leaning on his wrestling credentials suggests a higher ceiling than many expected in his transition to mixed martial arts.

Steveson's next assignment has not been announced. UFC 329 continues Sunday morning with the main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Highlights! Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson scores vicious KO without landing a single takedown | UFC 329