Gable Steveson

that Steveson "will probably win"

Credited with real punching ability and the quickness to close range fast, though his hand technique is rated unpolished. His grappling is the clear strength: a strong top-position game built on big takedowns, a heavy-handed follow-up on the mat, pressure from top position, and smooth movement between positions, backed by standout athleticism.

He says he 'feel[s] pretty darn confident' and that the one concession ('unless he gets caught') is answered by noting Steveson already absorbed a heel kick and 'was fine.'

Making his UFC debut off a thin MMA resume (3-0, one dirty-boxing fight the analyst saw), Steveson is rated an outstanding wrestler with excellent takedowns and very heavy top pressure, floating from position to position and landing heavy ground and pound when he does. His striking is only decent, with good power and good distance-closing, but a spin/heel kick in his third pro fight showed real feet vulnerabilities, even though he absorbed it fine. The analyst expects the grappling gap over Ellison to end this quickly.