Jon Jones issues statement over Gable Steveson’s knockout loss, leaving the octagon immediately afterwards
UFC fighter Jon Jones has publicly taken responsibility for his decision to immediately escort Gable Steveson backstage following Steveson's first professional knockout loss. Jones defended the move as a protective measure for his friend and training partner after the high-profile defeat.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intense pressure on high-profile prospects in combat sports and the role of mentorship in managing athlete welfare after public losses.
Jon Jones is taking responsibility for Gable Steveson suffering a brutal knockout loss at UFC 331 this past weekend and immediately leaving the octagon rather than sticking around to congratulate his opponent Sean Sharaf on a job well done.
Steveson heard the boos from the Los Angeles crowd all week long but it felt like the crowd went supersonic after he got blasted with a left hand from Sharaf and suffered his first professional loss just 12 seconds into the opening round. Before Bruce Buffer could even read the decision, Steveson had bolted from the octagon to go backstage for medical treatment.
Now Jones is saying he made that call to send Steveson backstage as soon as the fight was over.
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