Overview
- UFC CEO Dana White revealed Saturday on Instagram Live that Steveson will face Ellison on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena during International Fight Week.
- The heavyweight bout is expected to open the UFC 329 main card beneath Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 in Las Vegas.
- Steveson, 25, arrives at 3-0 with three rapid stoppages after winning Olympic gold and two NCAA Division I heavyweight titles.
- Ellison is 5-2 and 0-1 in the UFC after a first-round knockout loss to Brando Pericic, and reporting identifies him as a Washington police officer.
- Sportsbooks installed Steveson as a massive favorite in the -1800 to -2000 range, matching coverage that frames this as a managed showcase before tougher opposition.