New UFC prospect Gable Steveson teases ‘crazy headliner’ for International Fight Week

Gable Steveson is set to make his UFC debut at the promotion’s annual International Fight Week card this July. That’s reason enough to be excited for the event, but it sounds like the main event is going to be big.

Steveson, an Olympic wrestler, has been a shoo-in for a UFC roster spot for years. After a handful of wins on the regional circuit, he finally signed with the promotion last week. His signing was announced on Saturday’s UFC 327 broadcast. During the broadcast, it was also announced that Steveson will debut at the International Fight Week card, officially titled UFC 329 and set for July 11. His opponent was not announced.

Speaking to UFC cameras after his signing was announced, Steveson dropped a hint about the main event for the International Fight Week card. It sounds like it’s going to be big, involving a returning star.

Gable Steveson hints at huge headliner for his UFC debut card

🗣️ Gable Steveson:

“This is going to be the biggest debut on earth, and I’m ready.

I think International Fight Week is gonna be crazy. Maybe a crazy headliner that might come back that you guys might know.” 👀

(via @ufc) https://t.co/iwLRqSUj8g pic.twitter.com/Sv7qlLgaXG

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 12, 2026

“I think International Fight Week is gonna be crazy,” he said. “Maybe a crazy headliner that might come back that you guys might know.”

While we can’t be certain who Steveson is alluding to, there’s a strong chance it’s Conor McGregor. The former two-division UFC champion has been teasing a comeback for ages, and has repeatedly been linked to the July 11 card. It’s unclear who he would fight if he returns one that date. However, Jorge Masvidal and Ian Machado Garry have both been rumored options.

As for Steveson, he believes his debut will go well — even if there are some jitters.

“I feel amazing,” he said. “This is going to be the biggest debut on earth, and I’m ready. The butterflies and the jitters are all part of the game. I’m going to take that big step to the UFC and do what I’ve got to do.”

That’s going to depend a lot on who his opponent is. The UFC heavyweight division has always been pretty shallow, but there are some killers at the top of the weight class.