UFC 329 Rookie Report Card: Gable Steveson earns A grade

Gable Steveson knocked out Elisha Ellison in the first round of his UFC debut Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena, delivering the kind of violent first impression that justified the hype around the Olympic gold medalist's arrival.

Two rookies stepped into the cage at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, going 1-1 collectively, with Steveson providing the knockout highlight while John Garza dropped a decision to undefeated prospect Farid Basharat on short notice. MMA Mania graded both performances in its post-event breakdown.

Steveson's wild heavyweight debut earns top grade

Steveson came out throwing heavy hooks and power punches from the opening bell, mixing in body kicks that visibly hurt Ellison before unloading against the fence with punches and knees until the finish arrived, per MMA Mania's coverage. The performance was sloppy in spots — Steveson used virtually none of the elite wrestling that made him a two-time NCAA champion — but the knockout result checked the right box. "It was wild. It was sloppy. It was also exactly the kind of UFC debut Steveson needed," the outlet reported. Steveson earned an A grade despite the technical flaws, with MMA Mania suggesting a matchup against someone just outside the rankings like Ryan Spann for his second outing.

Garza, a Fury FC veteran who accepted the Basharat fight on one week's notice, showed toughness across three rounds but took consistent calf kicks and absorbed technical striking from the unbeaten prospect. He defended multiple takedowns and landed body shots late in the second round that got Basharat's attention, but his lead leg was compromised by the final minute. Basharat won by unanimous decision. MMA Mania gave Garza a C grade, noting he may have been signed a touch early but has the aggression and grit to thrive against lower-level competition if matched carefully. The outlet proposed Timmy Cuamba as a suitable next opponent.

Steveson could already compete with several heavyweights in the top 15, according to the report, but there is no need to rush his ascent. Garza returns to training with a tough debut lesson behind him.

Photo: Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — UFC 329 Rookie Report Card: Gable Steveson Shines | MMA Mania