UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes has voiced concerns about Gable Steveson’s readiness for the UFC. Blaydes, who is preparing to face Josh Hokit at UFC 327, believes the 2020 Olympic freestyle heavyweight gold medalist might need more time to develop before stepping into the octagon against top-tier opponents.
Blaydes thinks Steveson’s reach could be a disadvantage against longer, more experienced fighters who are adept at sprawling. He suggests Steveson should be further tested before joining the UFC, fearing a premature entry could lead to him being ‘exposed’ against the promotion’s elite talent.
Blaydes’ Concerns About Steveson’s Reach
Blaydes feels Steveson needs to learn how to manage longer, more experienced fighters who can negate his grappling skills.
According to Blaydes: “I think he’s a lot better grappler than (Hokit), but he doesn’t have the reach, so I feel like that’s going to be an issue. It hasn’t been an issue yet, but you give him a longer guy who knows how to sprawl, that could be a problem.”
Steveson’s Upcoming Fight and Potential UFC Jump
Steveson, currently holding a 3-0 professional record, is scheduled to face UFC veteran Alexandr Romanov at the RAF 09 event in Arlington, Texas on May 30, 2026. Blaydes views this bout as a valuable test for the rising prospect before a potential move to the UFC.
Blaydes stated: “I’d like to see him have to figure that out before he gets to the UFC. I don’t want him to be overly rushed and get exposed in the UFC. I guess he believes he’s ready, so who knows better than he does? If he believes it, then all power to him.”
Steveson is considered a top young prospect in MMA, due to his Olympic background and early professional success.
- Steveson is a 2020 Olympic freestyle heavyweight gold medalist.
- He currently has a 3-0 professional MMA record.
- He is scheduled to fight Alexandr Romanov at RAF 09 on May 30, 2026.
The Challenges of Transitioning to MMA
Blaydes’ cautious advice highlights the difficulties of transitioning from elite amateur wrestling to the highest levels of MMA competition. While Steveson’s potential is evident, Blaydes believes he might require more time to refine his overall skillset before taking on the UFC’s best.
Blaydes is a top-ranked UFC heavyweight contender with a 19-5 professional record.
The transition from elite amateur wrestling to the rigors of the UFC can be challenging.
Blaydes’ cautious advice reflects the need for Steveson to develop his overall MMA skillset before facing the division’s elite.
Blaydes believes this will be a good test for Steveson.
Blaydes’ cautious advice for Steveson reflects the challenges of transitioning from elite amateur wrestling to the highest levels of MMA competition.
Steveson’s fight against Romanov will be a key test for the rising prospect before potentially making the jump to the UFC.
Blaydes believes Steveson may need more time to develop his overall skillset before facing the division’s elite in the UFC.
Blaydes believes Steveson’s lack of reach could be an issue against longer, more experienced fighters who know how to sprawl.
Steveson recently signed to compete against UFC veteran Alexandr Romanov at the upcoming RAF 09 event in Arlington, Texas on May 30.
A premature call-up could lead to him being ‘exposed’ against the top talent in the promotion, Blaydes worries.
Blaydes wants to see Steveson tested a bit more before making the jump to the UFC.
Blaydes believes Steveson may need more time to develop before facing top-level competition in the octagon.
While Steveson’s potential is clear, Blaydes believes he may need more time to develop his overall skillset before facing the division’s elite.
Blaydes’ cautious advice reflects the need for Steveson to develop his overall MMA skillset before facing the division’s elite.
Blaydes believes this will be a good test for Steveson.
With Steveson scheduled to face Alexandr Romanov at RAF 09, the MMA world will be watching to see if he can address the concerns raised by Blaydes and prove he’s ready for the UFC’s challenges.