Gable Steveson fired back at Josh Hokit following a dominant performance in his UFC 329 debut. The exchange sets the stage for a potential rivalry between the two heavyweights.
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson made his long-awaited UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11, turning in a dominant performance before firing back at fellow heavyweight Josh Hokit in the aftermath of the bout.
Steveson, 26, enters professional MMA with an unblemished amateur pedigree but no professional record to his name heading into fight night. The American stands six-foot-one at 185 cm and has been one of the most anticipated crossover prospects in the heavyweight division, drawing attention well before throwing his first punch inside the Octagon.
Hokit, nicknamed "The Incredible Hok," carries a perfect 5-0-0 professional record into this brewing rivalry at 28 years old. He wasted no time responding publicly to Steveson's post-fight callout, setting the groundwork for what could become a meaningful heavyweight matchup.
Why it matters
- Steveson's debut performance has immediately positioned him as a name to watch in the heavyweight division
- Hokit's undefeated record gives any potential matchup legitimate stakes for both fighters' unbeaten status
- The public exchange between the two men suggests promotional interest in making the fight a reality
The back-and-forth between Steveson and Hokit gives the UFC heavyweight division a fresh storyline, with two unbeaten fighters staking their claims at the bottom of what remains one of the sport's most unpredictable weight classes.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
