Former champion Jon Jones has taken responsibility for Gable Steveson leaving the cage before his loss was announced at UFC 331.
On Saturday, Steveson was knocked out by seismic underdog Sean Sharaf in 12 seconds, in a scene that sent the Los Angeles crowd into raptures.
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The result was the first loss of Steveson’s young career – a career that has brought major expectations, due to the American’s Olympic gold medal in wrestling.
Sean Sharaf (top) was a seismic underdog against Gable Steveson (Getty)
Expectations around Steveson, 26, were only heightened when he began training with his friend Jones, one of the most controversial personalities in UFC history.
And there was controversy on Saturday, when Steveson and Jones left the cage and ringside area before their result was announced.
Jones, 39, has now moved to address the matter, writing on social media: “I’ve seen some reports on line and I really wanted to clear the air.
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“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.”
Steveson was 4-0 prior to UFC 331, with four first-round knockouts to his name. However, he had also shown himself to be raw, and Sharaf exposed his inexperience.
Sharaf, a former US marine, was emotional in the cage after his win, and he told reporters afterwards: “Yeah, I saw him leaving, but I was thinking about this before the fight.
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“I was 4-0, I was undefeated when I had my first loss in the UFC, and he just had his first loss. It makes you better; you’re going to take a look back and you can’t underestimate people. You can’t think you’re untouchable and you’re just going to run through people.
Jon Jones is a former two-weight UFC champion (Getty)
“I think he’s going to go back, he’s going to get better. He’s got a hell of a lot of talent, so I’m sure you guys see him again.
“I told you the gameplan was hit, don’t get hit, leave with a bag full of cash. Everyone thought I was joking, but no, I’m just grateful. I’m so grateful.
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“I prayed so hard, I believed in myself, my team believed in me, and I’m just so happy. I’m so happy for this moment.
“I was just treating this like every other fight. I don’t put anyone on a pedestal. He has two hands, two legs, and he bleeds red, so I guess I shocked the world, but I haven’t felt any different. I’m definitely getting more interviews, that’s for sure, but that’s about it.”
