Overview
- Steveson defeated Elisha Ellison by TKO at 2:31 of Round 1 on Saturday at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, improving his professional record to 4-0 with all wins ending in the first round.
- The finish came after a brief pause for an apparent low blow and unfolded largely on Steveson’s feet as he used front kicks, knees and a left hand rather than extended wrestling takedowns to stop Ellison.
- Jon Jones and coach Greg Jackson were in Steveson’s corner for the fight, a high-profile backing that amplified pre-fight hype and was widely noted by reporters and broadcasters.
- Steveson entered the event as one of the heaviest betting favorites in UFC history and his quick, decisive debut has increased pressure on the promotion to book him against higher-ranked heavyweight opponents sooner.
- Steveson’s Olympic title and collegiate record remain central to his public profile, but the debut shifted the story toward his developing striking game and raised questions about how fast the UFC should fast-track a fighter with limited pro experience.