Gable Steveson opens as massive -2800 favorite for UFC 329 debut

Gable Steveson opened as a historic -2800 betting favorite for his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, per DraftKings oddsmakers.

The Olympic gold medalist draws Ellison, who dropped his lone UFC bout to Brando Pericic by knockout last fall, on the preliminary card of the Conor McGregor–Max Holloway 2 event. Ellison sits at +1300, making this one of the widest spreads in recent heavyweight memory. MMA Mania first reported the lopsided odds.

Steveson expects fast track to heavyweight title

Steveson, 26, carries a 3-0 MMA record and has told reporters he expects to challenge for the heavyweight strap in under 18 months. "You know, it's a big stage. But I've been on big stages my whole life," he told KRQE. "There's always pressure, but pressure makes diamonds. I've got a great team around me. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have these guys invested in me."

The matchup follows a familiar UFC pattern of feeding unproven opponents to high-profile prospects on debut. Steveson's wrestling pedigree and promotional push have bookmakers treating the fight as a foregone conclusion.

UFC 329 takes place at T-Mobile Arena with the Steveson–Ellison bout expected to air during the early prelims portion of the card.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC 329 odds: Gable Steveson balloons to whopping -2800 betting favorite for July 11 debut