Elisha Ellison says Jon Jones won't help Gable Steveson inside the Octagon

Elisha Ellison enters UFC 329 as a massive underdog against 2021 Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, but the challenger isn't intimidated by the hype surrounding his opponent's debut. Steveson arrives as a -2500 favorite on some sportsbooks, yet Ellison sees an opportunity to make a statement against the wrestling prodigy. The former police officer acknowledged Steveson's elite pedigree—both his Olympic credentials and collegiate wrestling background—but questioned his readiness for the professional ranks. "Anybody coming in, especially to a big promotion in the UFC, 3-0, you would be a fool not to call him green," Ellison said at media day. Even Steveson's training partnership with Jon Jones doesn't concern Ellison, who noted that "Bones" won't be inside the Octagon. Ellison (5-2) has never reached the second round in seven career fights and is rebounding from a first-round knockout loss in his UFC debut last year. Steveson (3-0) has finished all three of his fights in the opening round. The bout takes place July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at UFC 329.