UFC Veteran Blaydes Cautions Prospect Steveson Against Rushing to the UFC

Blaydes believes Steveson may need more time to develop before facing top-level competition in the octagon.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and clashing forces of a heavyweight MMA match, with sharp planes of muted earth tones and deep red accents.A cubist interpretation of the rising tension between UFC prospects and veterans, as the next generation of heavyweight talent seeks to make its mark.Arlington Today

UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes has expressed concerns that rising prospect Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic freestyle heavyweight gold medalist, may not be quite ready for the rigors of the UFC just yet. Blaydes, who is set to face Josh Hokit at UFC 327, believes Steveson's lack of reach could be an issue against longer, more experienced fighters who know how to sprawl. Blaydes wants to see Steveson tested a bit more before making the jump to the UFC, worried that a premature call-up could lead to him being 'exposed' against the top talent in the promotion.

Why it matters

Steveson is considered one of the top young prospects in MMA, with his Olympic pedigree and early success as a professional. However, the transition from elite amateur wrestling to the rigors of the UFC can be challenging, and Blaydes' cautious advice reflects the need for Steveson to develop his overall MMA skillset before facing the division's elite.

The details

Steveson, who is 3-0 as a professional, recently signed to compete against UFC veteran Alexandr Romanov at the upcoming RAF 09 event in Arlington, Texas on May 30. Blaydes believes this will be a good test for Steveson, who he feels needs to figure out how to deal with longer, more experienced fighters who can neutralize his grappling prowess.

  • Steveson is set to face Alexandr Romanov at RAF 09 on May 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.
  • Blaydes is scheduled to take on Josh Hokit at UFC 327 on April 9, 2026 in Miami.

The players

Curtis Blaydes

A top-ranked UFC heavyweight contender with a 19-5 professional record.

Gable Steveson

A 2020 Olympic freestyle heavyweight gold medalist who is 3-0 as a professional MMA fighter.

Josh Hokit

An undefeated rising contender in the UFC's heavyweight division, with an 8-0 record.

Alexandr Romanov

A veteran UFC heavyweight who will face Steveson at the upcoming RAF 09 event.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Curtis Blaydes, UFC Heavyweight Contender

“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.”

— Curtis Blaydes, UFC Heavyweight Contender

What’s next

Steveson is scheduled to face Alexandr Romanov at the RAF 09 event on May 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. This will be a key test for the rising prospect before potentially making the jump to the UFC.

The takeaway

Blaydes' cautious advice for Steveson reflects the challenges of transitioning from elite amateur wrestling to the highest levels of MMA competition. While Steveson's potential is clear, Blaydes believes he may need more time to develop his overall skillset before facing the division's elite in the UFC.