Jon Jones has stepped forward to take responsibility for Gable Steveson’s abrupt departure from the Octagon following the highly touted heavyweight prospect’s stunning loss at UFC 331.
Steveson drew criticism after leaving the cage shortly after suffering the first defeat of his professional MMA career. But Jones, the former UFC champion who has served as a mentor to Steveson, said the decision to head backstage immediately came from him rather than the Olympic wrestling champion.
Jones explained that his first concern after the knockout was Steveson’s well-being. With the fight ending suddenly and violently, Jones wanted to get his fighter backstage and make sure he was all right.
He also made clear that one rough night has not changed his opinion of Steveson’s potential. Jones continues to believe in the heavyweight’s work ethic, competitive drive and ability to develop into a major force in the UFC.
Not everyone was pleased with how the aftermath unfolded.
UFC commentator and former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier criticized Steveson’s decision to leave without remaining in the Octagon for the traditional post-fight proceedings, putting additional attention on how the decorated wrestler responded to his first professional defeat.
Sean Sharaf, the man responsible for that defeat, appeared considerably less concerned about Steveson’s exit.
Sharaf produced one of the biggest surprises of UFC 331 when he stopped Steveson with a left hook only 12 seconds into their heavyweight contest. The knockout was especially dramatic considering the trajectories of the two fighters entering the event.
Steveson arrived with enormous expectations built around an elite wrestling résumé that includes an Olympic gold medal and two NCAA Division I national championships. Sharaf, meanwhile, entered the fight still searching for his first UFC victory after losing his first two appearances with the promotion.
Twelve seconds changed that storyline completely.
The victory improved Sharaf’s professional record to 4-2 while Steveson fell to 4-1. The lightning-fast finish also became the third-fastest knockout in UFC heavyweight history.
Sharaf has indicated that he would not be surprised to eventually see the UFC revisit the matchup. The combination of Steveson’s reputation, Sharaf’s dramatic upset and the controversy surrounding the immediate aftermath has already created a natural storyline should the promotion decide to book a second meeting.
For Steveson, the attention now shifts toward how he responds to the first significant setback of his young MMA career.
Jones, at least, is making it clear that Steveson will not have to make that comeback without his mentor standing firmly in his corner.
