Jones takes responsibility for Steveson leaving Octagon early

Gable Steveson, one of the biggest prospects in MMA history, has received a lot of criticism for immediately leaving the Octagon following his first professional loss Saturday in Los Angeles.

On Monday, Steveson’s mentor and UFC legend Jon Jones took responsibility for Steveson’s quick exit.

“I’ve seen some reports online and I really wanted to clear the air,” Jones wrote on X. “It was my decision to take Gable straight to the back after the fight. 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. 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.”

UFC commentator Daniel Cormier was among Steveson’s critics after he left the Octagon, saying, “You cannot be a great winner but then an ungrateful loser, and I think that was bad by Steveson.”

Sean Sharaf, who authored the monumental upset Saturday, said he wasn’t greatly bothered by Steveson leaving early. Sharaf also told ESPN he expects the UFC to eventually book a rematch, given the history that was made in their first meeting.

“I know [the UFC] is going to want it,” Sharaf said. “I already know the storyline, how it plays out, but I don’t know. I think he’s got to go do some reflecting and figure his stuff out because you can’t underestimate anyone in this game no matter what. It’s fighting and anything’s possible.”

An Olympic wrestling gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division I national champion, Steveson (4-1) suffered one of the biggest upsets in UFC history — and in shocking fashion. Sharaf (4-2), who was 0-2 in the organization going into UFC 331 at Crypto.com Arena, knocked out Steveson with a left hook just 12 seconds into their main card matchup. It was the third-fastest knockout in UFC heavyweight history.