Dana White discusses matchmaking philosophy for Gable Steveson’s UFC debut

Dana White discusses matchmaking philosophy for Gable Steveson’s UFC debutTristen CritchfieldApr 19, 2026Gable Steveson is 3-0 in MMA bouts. | Mexico Fight LeagueGable Steveson’s firstUFCappearance is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated debuts in recent memory.It was recently announced that the Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA national champion will make his first Octagon foray atUFC 329on July 11 in Las Vegas. Steveson’s first UFC opponent — which has yet to be announced — remains a hot topic of discussion as thet fight approaches.According to UFC CEO Dana White, the promotion will make sure to find an appropriate opponent for the highly-touted prospect.A Different Level"CM Punk fought here – we'll find somebody," White said on Saturday at the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference. "I don't know if we go after a top 15 guy. I say this to you guys all the time: The UFC jitters are real. I don't care how you've competed or where or what you've done. When you come here, it's a different level."Our matchmakers are the best in the business. We'll figure him out and get him the right fight. When I say that, I mean at what we think his level is, and what we think he's capable of.”The 25-year-old Steveson, who has worked extensively with formerUFCtwo-division championJon Jones, is 3-0 in MMA bouts — finishing all of his opponents inside of a round. Prior to focusing on fighting, Steveson tried his hand at both professonal wrestling and the NFL.Steveson last appeared at Mexico Fight League 3 on Feb. 19, where he stopped 15-bout veteranHugo Lezamavia technical knockout at the 3:50 mark of Round 1. Before he makes his first UFC foray, Steveson will headline Real American Freestyle 9 againstAlexander Romanovon May 30 in Arlington, Texas.

Dana White discusses matchmaking philosophy for Gable Steveson’s UFC debutTristen CritchfieldApr 19, 2026

Dana White discusses matchmaking philosophy for Gable Steveson’s UFC debut

Gable Steveson is 3-0 in MMA bouts. | Mexico Fight LeagueGable Steveson’s firstUFCappearance is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated debuts in recent memory.It was recently announced that the Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA national champion will make his first Octagon foray atUFC 329on July 11 in Las Vegas. Steveson’s first UFC opponent — which has yet to be announced — remains a hot topic of discussion as thet fight approaches.According to UFC CEO Dana White, the promotion will make sure to find an appropriate opponent for the highly-touted prospect.A Different Level"CM Punk fought here – we'll find somebody," White said on Saturday at the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference. "I don't know if we go after a top 15 guy. I say this to you guys all the time: The UFC jitters are real. I don't care how you've competed or where or what you've done. When you come here, it's a different level."Our matchmakers are the best in the business. We'll figure him out and get him the right fight. When I say that, I mean at what we think his level is, and what we think he's capable of.”The 25-year-old Steveson, who has worked extensively with formerUFCtwo-division championJon Jones, is 3-0 in MMA bouts — finishing all of his opponents inside of a round. Prior to focusing on fighting, Steveson tried his hand at both professonal wrestling and the NFL.Steveson last appeared at Mexico Fight League 3 on Feb. 19, where he stopped 15-bout veteranHugo Lezamavia technical knockout at the 3:50 mark of Round 1. Before he makes his first UFC foray, Steveson will headline Real American Freestyle 9 againstAlexander Romanovon May 30 in Arlington, Texas.

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