Jon Jones takes blame for Gable Steveson's octagon exit after 12-second UFC 331 knockout

Jon Jones has stepped forward to take responsibility for Gable Steveson’s abrupt departure from the octagon following a brutal 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 in Los Angeles.

Steveson, a two-time Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medallist and one of the most hyped prospects the UFC has signed in recent years, suffered his first professional defeat when Sharaf dropped him with a left hand just 12 seconds into the opening round. Before Bruce Buffer could even announce the result, Steveson had already left the octagon — a move that drew loud boos from the Los Angeles crowd, who had already been voicing their displeasure with the prospect throughout fight week.

Jones, who has been training Steveson as part of his camp, addressed the situation directly on Twitter. “I’ve seen some reports online and I really wanted to clear the air. It was my decision to take Gable straight to the back after the fight,” Jones wrote. “Honestly it was the first time in this situation for me and my instant reaction was to get my friend to the back to make sure he was ok.”

Jones also offered a firm vote of confidence in his fighter’s future. “Gable’s work ethic and will to win is there and I stand by him and believe he will go on to be one of the best heavyweights in the UFC. He will be back I’m sure of it.”

Steveson had entered UFC 331 unbeaten at 4-0, with all four victories coming by first-round finish. His transition to MMA had been closely watched given his wrestling pedigree — he captured Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling in 2020 — and his association with Jones, whose own preparation for a fight against Stipe Miocic reportedly played a significant role in convincing Steveson to pursue a professional MMA career.

The loss marks a significant setback for a prospect who arrived in the UFC with considerable fanfare, and the manner of the defeat — and the exit that followed — has only intensified scrutiny on both Steveson and his corner.