Beef brewing? UFC 329’s Gable Steveson suddenly goes off on Josh Hokit: ‘Not on the same level’

Key Takeaways:

• Gable Steveson is an Olympic gold medalist.
• Josh Hokit is seen as a rising contender.
• Both men train in Albuquerque at Jackson-Wink MMA Academy.
• The nature of their past training sessions is unclear.
• Steveson publicly declared Hokit was “not on the same level.”

Background

Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist known for his dominance in amateur wrestling, has ventured onto the MMA stage. Recently associated with UFC 329, Steveson has captured attention not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for stoking tensions with another fighter.

The Jackson-Wink Connection

Both Steveson and Josh Hokit are based at the famed Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This gym has earned a reputation for cultivating elite fighters, making the pair’s simmering quarrel particularly intriguing. Though the full extent of their training relationship is unclear, they have reportedly shared the mats more than once.

Brewing Tension

Speculation about a rivalry intensified when Steveson bluntly stated that Hokit is “not on the same level.” As a rising contender, Hokit could pose a threat to anyone in his weight class. However, Steveson appears undaunted by the prospect of facing him—whether in casual sparring or a future matchup.

Where It Stands

What remains uncertain is how this tension might play out in the near term. The fact that both train under one roof, coupled with the swirl of excitement around UFC 329, means fans are already buzzing. For now, neither athlete has confirmed a direct clash, but Steveson’s words suggest the stage could be set for a confrontation that keeps fight watchers on the edge of their seats.