Covington blames Jon Jones for Steveson's 12-second KO loss at UFC 331

Colby Covington has publicly blamed Jon Jones for Gable Steveson’s stunning 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, urging the Olympic gold medalist to sever ties with his mentor — and Jones has responded.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Covington — a one-time roommate of Jones at Iowa Central Community College — launched a wide-ranging attack on both Steveson and his former friend, arguing that Jones’s influence had derailed Steveson’s early MMA career.

“It was pitiful. It was embarrassing,” Covington said of Steveson’s performance and his decision to leave the cage before the official announcement. “You put your hands down; you weren’t ready for the moment.”

Covington went further, placing the blame squarely on Jones, who has worked closely with Steveson over the past two years with the aim of guiding the wrestler toward MMA success.

“I think a lot of bad energy comes onto him from Jon Jones,” Covington said. “That kind of energy will transform on to someone else. And Gable thinks it’s cool — ‘Oh, I’m hanging out with one of the greatest fighters of all time.’ But really, he’s just killing himself. He’s ruining his own career, because energy is everything.”

Covington urged Steveson to find a new camp and distance himself from Jones entirely. “He’s got to go get legit sparring, get to a big camp, and get that piece of shit, felon, terrible human being, wife beater out of your corner,” he said. “Jon Jones is dirty, bro. Get that guy out of there.”

Despite the advice, Covington admitted he doubts Steveson will act on it. “He just likes the attention,” he said. “He likes the hype and the fame, the clout that comes from hanging around Jon Jones. It’s just sad.”

Steveson’s loss to Sharaf was widely described as one of the biggest upsets in recent MMA history. The MMA community had already criticised Steveson for publicly disrespecting Sharaf in the build-up to the fight, and his exit from the cage before the result was announced only deepened the backlash.

Jones, who has a long history of public disputes with Covington dating back to their college days, responded to the latest salvo — continuing a feud that has simmered throughout both men’s UFC careers.