Covington: Steveson should split from Jon Jones after UFC 331 knockout

Colby Covington says Gable Steveson's 12-second loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 shows the Olympic wrestler must change camps and refocus on wrestling.

Colby Covington says Gable Steveson needs a reset after the first loss of his MMA career. Speaking to Submission Radio, the former UFC interim champion said Steveson should part ways with training partner Jon Jones and rebuild around the wrestling that made him an Olympic champion.

Steveson was knocked out in 12 seconds by heavy underdog Sean Sharaf at UFC 331. Covington said he had expected the result, arguing the heavyweight had talked himself up, taken opponents lightly and abandoned his grappling in favor of striking.

When you drift from the skill that brought you success, Covington suggested, trouble follows. He said Steveson rarely attempts to wrestle in his fights and instead heads straight into striking exchanges.

Covington described Jones, a former Iowa Central Community College roommate of Steveson, as a negative influence and urged Steveson to join a new camp, regain his focus and lean on his wrestling again.