Jon Jones takes responsibility for Gable Steveson's early Octagon exit after brutal KO loss at UFC 331

Jon Jones said it was his decision to take Gable Steveson backstage after the KO loss.

Jon Jones has taken responsibility for Gable Steveson leaving the octagon immediately after his knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Steveson, 26, entered the fight with a 4-0 record and a massive +2500 favorite but suffered his first professional defeat when Sharaf dropped him with a left hook just 12 seconds into the bout. With the brutal finish, Sharaf secured the third-fastest knockout in UFC heavyweight history.

Before the official decision was announced, Steveson and his team left the octagon and headed back to the dressing room as the Los Angeles crowd loudly booed their exit. The move also drew in negative response from the commentary.

Jon Jones explains why Gable Steveson left the octagon early

Jones addressed the situation on X after reports began circulating about Steveson’s early departure from the octagon.

“I’ve seen some reports on line and I really wanted to clear the air. 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.” Jones wrote.

Jones’ comments make it clear that Steveson’s decision to leave was not simply an attempt to avoid the aftermath of the loss.

The former UFC champion said his immediate priority was making sure Steveson was okay following the devastating knockout.

Jon Jones backs Gable Steveson after UFC 331 defeat

Steveson was heavily favored heading into the contest, with his odds listed at approximately -2400 at the time of the fight.

That made Sharaf’s first-round knockout an especially significant upset, with Steveson suffering the first loss of his professional MMA career.

Despite the result, Jones remains confident that Steveson can bounce back and eventually establish himself among the UFC’s top heavyweights.

“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,” Jones added.

Steveson had little opportunity to show what he could do before Sharaf’s left hook ended the contest just 12 seconds after the opening bell.

The defeat leaves Steveson at 4-1-0 as he begins the next stage of his MMA career, while Sharaf improves to 5-2-0.

For Jones, the decision to immediately take Steveson backstage was ultimately about looking after his friend after an unexpected and difficult defeat.

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